Declaration of Independence vs U S Constitution Excerpt

Declaration of Independence vs. U. S. Constitution

Excerpt from the Declaration of Independence ØIN CONGRESS, July 4, 1776. ØThe unanimous Declaration of the thirteen United States of America, ØWhen in the Course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. ØWe hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness

Declaration of Independence ØWritten by Thomas Jefferson; ratified by all 13 colonies at the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776 ØBreak-up letter to King George of England. The colonies considered themselves to be 13 independent, sovereign states Ø 27 different grievances listed

U. S. Constitution We, The People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common Defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

U. S Constitution ØReplaced the weak Articles of Confederation ØFirst seven articles of the Constitution sets up the framework for the federal government. ØRatified by nine states and on March 4, 1789, the government of the United States began operation

Bill of Rights ØFirst 10 amendments to the Constitution ØMagna Carta, Petition of Rights of 1628 and the Bill of Rights (England) helped to shape the Bill of Rights. ØAmendment V: “…. nor be deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor should private property be taken for public use without just compensation. ”

Three Branches of the Government ØLegislative: ØHouse of Representatives and Senate ØMake the laws

ØJudicial ØHeaded by the Supreme Court ØInterpret the laws

ØExecutive ØHeaded by the President and Vice President ØEnforce the laws