Declaration of Independence and U.S. Constitution

            The topic of discussion for this Constitution Monday is the simple fact that the two founding documents of the United States – the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution – are one in spirit and work together to establish and preserve liberty for all.

            The Declaration of Independence declared that all political connections between the American colonists and their mother country of Great Britain were broken. It lists all the grievances against the King in order to justify the move to declare independence. The declaration explains that the division had to happen in order for the colonists to establish a fair and just government based on inspired ideas and principles.

            Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence, wrote: “We 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….”

            The U.S. Constitution was written to explain how the ideas and principles of the new government would protect the rights originally bestowed by God. The Founders understood that God is the Supreme Ruler who bestowed liberty and agency on mankind. They also understood that government could have no power unless it was given by the people. The order of power is God, Man, and Government.

            Glenn Beck understands the relationship between the Declaration and the Constitution. He recently said, “The reason why we are having so many problems in our country is because we are trying to cut the Declaration of Independence away from the Constitution. You can’t. They need each other.”

            The two documents are meant to stand together. They support each other as they established liberty and now protect the God-given freedoms that all men should enjoy.