The Declaration of Independence and The Constitution are two of the three distinct documents that collectively form the Charters of Freedom. These documents are the founding documents of the United States of America. These documents were written by two separate groups of people at different times to accomplish two different goals.
The Declaration of Independence was written by members of Congress before the Constitution in 1776. It was a document designed to justify breaking away from the British government. It contained list of charges against the king of England in order to justify the need to separate from being ruled by Great Britain. The Declaration of Independence is a proclamation which states that the 13 colonies were no longer under British rule, but now independent states. In The Declaration of Independence it states that all the citizens are equal and entitled to certain inalienable rights including life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. 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 Constitution was written in 1787. It was signed on September 17, 1787. It is considered to be the supreme law of the land. The Constitution was designed to establish a U.S. government. The Constitution describes citizens’ rights. I believe the signers of the Constitution thought that there should be a separation of church and state although the words "separation of church and state" aren’t actually written in the U.S. Constitution. The only reference to religion in the Constitution is Article VI, Section 3, "...no religious Test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States."
These are two of the most important documents written in American history. Both documents were signed at what is now known as Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Declaration of Independence was written first and is the foundation of the Constitution.
The Declaration of Independence, severed political ties between Great Britain and the American colonies. It outlined principles for a more reliable and fair government. The Constitution, however, set forth how the United States government should function. The Declaration of Independence states that all men are created equal and are entitled to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." These ideas were also expressed in the Constitution. These ideas form the basis of our government. Thomas Jefferson wrote the Declaration of Independence and was a signer of the Constitution.
Thomas Jefferson also wrote a letter to the Danbury Baptists on October 7, 1801. He wrote the letter in response to a letter he had received from the Danbury Baptist in regard to the first amendment. . The constitution states, "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof." The Danbury Baptists were concerned about its guarantee allowing free exercise of religion. They believed that religion should not be mixed with government. Jefferson agreed with their views and wanted them to know that he supported religion but he didn’t believe that religion should have a place in government. His idea of the” wall of separation of church and state” is the same as religious freedom. He wants them to know that the “wall” had been erected to protect them and keep the state out of church business. Jefferson does, however, signify his belief in God when he ends the letter with a prayer.
Many people say that our country was founded on Christian principles. In the Declaration of Independence it states “…by their Creator with certain unalienable rights…” In the Bible, God is the Creator. (Genesis 1:1, Peter 4:19) As Creator, God is the one who gave mankind all of the unalienable rights listed in the Declaration. The original constitution also mentions God. As far as a biblical worldview, God hasn’t been taken from the government.
