Declaration of Independence vs. U. S. Constitution

Excerpt from the Declaration of Independence  IN CONGRESS, July 4,  The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen United States of America,  When 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.  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

Declaration of Independence  Written by Thomas Jefferson; ratified by all 13 colonies at the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776  Break-up letter to King George of England. The colonies considered themselves to be 13 independent, sovereign states  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  Replaced the weak Articles of Confederation  First seven articles of the Constitution sets up the framework for the federal government.  Ratified by nine states and on March 4, 1789, the government of the United States began operation

Bill of Rights  First 10 amendments to the Constitution  Magna Carta, Petition of Rights of 1628 and the Bill of Rights (England) helped to shape the Bill of Rights.  Amendment 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  Legislative:  House of Representatives and Senate  Make the laws

 Judicial  Headed by the Supreme Court  Interpret the laws

 Executive  Headed by the President and Vice President  Enforce the laws