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Compare and Contrast: Bill of Rights and Declaration of Independence Excerpt from THE BILL OF RIGHTS Congress of the United States begun and held at the City of New-York, on Wednesday the fourth of March, one thousand seven hundred and eighty nine. THE Conventions of a number of the States, having at the time of their adopting the Constitution, expressed a desire, in order to prevent misconstruction or abuse of its powers, that further declaratory and restrictive clauses should be added: And as extending the ground of public confidence in the Government, will best ensure the beneficent ends of its institution. RESOLVED by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America, in Congress assembled, two thirds of both Houses concurring, that the following Articles be proposed to the Legislatures of the several States, as amendments to the Constitution of the United States, all, or any of which Articles, when ratified by three fourths of the said Legislatures, to be valid to all intents and purposes, as part of the said Constitution; viz. ARTICLES in addition to, and Amendment of the Constitution of the United States of America, proposed by Congress, and ratified by the Legislatures of the several States, pursuant to the fifth Article of the original Constitution. Article the first... After the first enumeration required by the first article of the Constitution, there shall be one Representative for every thirty thousand, until the number shall amount to one hundred, after which the proportion shall be so regulated by Congress, that there shall be not less than one hundred Representatives, nor less than one Representative for every forty thousand persons, until the number of Representatives shall amount to two hundred; after which the proportion shall be so regulated by Congress, that there shall not be less than two hundred Representatives, nor more than one Representative for every fifty thousand persons. Excerpt from THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE In Congress, July 4, 1776 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.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn, that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.--Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world. What was the purpose of the Bill of Rights? to establish independence from Great Britain and become a new nation to establish a new form of government and protect the rights and freedoms of the people to declare and reinforce the loyalty of the colonies in America to England

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The Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence are two foundational documents in American history that serve different yet complementary purposes. Below is a comparison and contrast of these two documents:

Purpose

Declaration of Independence:

  • The primary purpose of the Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, was to declare the thirteen colonies' intention to separate from British rule. It articulates the philosophical justification for independence by asserting the principles of individual rights and government by consent.

Bill of Rights:

  • The Bill of Rights, ratified in 1791, consists of the first ten amendments to the Constitution of the United States and serves to enumerate and protect the rights of individuals from government infringement. It aims to ensure that the federal government does not violate the rights of citizens and addresses concerns raised by the states during the ratification of the Constitution.

Content and Themes

Declaration of Independence:

  • Central themes include natural rights, equality, and the role of government. It famously states that "all men are created equal" and that they possess "unalienable Rights" such as "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." It emphasizes the idea that government derives its power from the consent of the governed and outlines the right of the people to alter or abolish a government that is destructive to these ends.

Bill of Rights:

  • The Bill of Rights specifically lists individual rights and liberties, such as freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and protection against unreasonable searches and seizures. Its aim is to specify limitations on governmental power and safeguard personal freedoms to prevent abuses similar to those experienced under British rule.

Historical Context

Declaration of Independence:

  • This document arose during the tumultuous time leading up to the American Revolution when the colonies sought to justify their break from Britain. It is a revolutionary text that reflects a desire for self-rule and reflects Enlightenment ideas.

Bill of Rights:

  • The Bill of Rights was created shortly after the ratification of the Constitution to address concerns among Anti-Federalists who feared that a strong central government would infringe upon individual liberties. It was a compromise to ensure the Constitution’s acceptance by the states and protect civil liberties.

Tone and Style

Declaration of Independence:

  • The tone is assertive and defiant, designed to rally support for independence and outline grievances against King George III. The language is inspirational, invoking universal principles and a sense of moral authority.

Bill of Rights:

  • The tone is more legalistic and formal, reflecting its purpose as a constitutional amendment. It provides specific provisions and detailed protections, framing rights in a constructive manner that aims to govern relationships between the state and the individual.

Conclusion

In summary, while the Declaration of Independence and the Bill of Rights are both vital to American governance, they serve distinct roles. The Declaration is a bold proclamation of independence and a statement of philosophical principles regarding government and individual rights, while the Bill of Rights is a practical application of those principles, ensuring that the newfound government respects and upholds individual freedoms. The former laid the ideological groundwork for a new nation, and the latter sought to protect the rights of its citizens from government overreach. Together, they underscore the evolution of American democracy and the importance of civil liberties.

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Sure! Here’s a concise summary focusing on the Declaration of Independence:

Declaration of Independence

Purpose:
The primary purpose of the Declaration of Independence, adopted on July 4, 1776, was to declare the thirteen colonies' intention to separate from British rule. It articulates the philosophical justification for independence by asserting the principles of individual rights and government by consent.

Content and Themes:
Central themes include natural rights, equality, and the role of government. It famously states that "all men are created equal" and that they possess "unalienable Rights" such as "Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness." It emphasizes that government derives its power from the consent of the governed and outlines the right of the people to alter or abolish a government that is destructive to these ends.

Historical Context:
The Declaration arose during the tumultuous time leading up to the American Revolution when the colonies sought to justify their break from Britain. It reflects a desire for self-rule and incorporates Enlightenment ideas.

Tone and Style:
The tone is assertive and defiant, designed to rally support for independence and outline grievances against King George III. The language is inspirational, invoking universal principles and a sense of moral authority.

Conclusion

The Declaration of Independence is not only a statement of a nation breaking away from colonial rule but also a foundational document that underscores the principles of individual rights and government accountability that would influence the United States’ ideals and governance for centuries to come.