Reflecting on America's Founding Documents on Constitution Day
While commemorating Constitution Day, it's not common to ponder upon the Declaration of Independence. However, the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, despite being distinct documents written 11 years apart for different purposes, both played a crucial role in shaping the political philosophy of the United States. They both contain renowned phrases that are studied and memorized by each new generation of Americans. Politicians, activists, and leaders have often referenced these documents to strengthen their arguments or emphasize a point.
Presidents have also frequently drawn upon the Declaration and the Constitution in their speeches and writings. Abraham Lincoln, for instance, referred to the fundamental principles of the Declaration as an “apple of gold” framed by the Constitution, a “picture of silver.”
James Wilson, an immigrant with a Scottish upbringing and education, was the first person to closely link the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Wilson, one of the six men who signed both documents, was a firm believer in the idea that the government exists to secure the natural rights of individuals.
Wilson's Influence on America's Founding Documents
Wilson, a follower of the Scottish Enlightenment, published a pamphlet two years before the Declaration of Independence titled “Considerations on the Nature and Extent of the Legislative Authority of the British Parliament.” In it, he rejected the legislative authority of Parliament and outlined a crucial teaching on political theory that Thomas Jefferson would later echo in the Declaration.
Historian Carl Becker argued that Wilson’s pamphlet laid the groundwork “for the general theory which Jefferson was later able to take for granted as the common sense of the matter.”
As a Pennsylvania delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, Wilson wrote the first draft of the Constitution, including its famous opening “We the People.” He emphasized the importance of citizens having a voice and representation in government more than any other delegate.
Wilson's Role in the Constitutional Convention
Wilson utilized the Declaration for his constitutional arguments and even commissioned a special copy of the Declaration for the proceedings. On June 19, 1787, he read the Declaration, stating that the United Colonies were declared to be free and independent states, implying that they were united, not individually, but as confederated states.
On September 17, 1787, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention met for the last time to sign the document they had created.
During the ratification debates in Pennsylvania, Wilson once again used the Declaration to strengthen his argument for ratification. In his speech on November 26, 1787, he stated that the Constitution was the means to “the great end” the Founding Fathers hoped to accomplish.
Wilson's Vision for the United States
He envisioned a constitution that would bring the benefits of good governance while preventing the inconveniences of bad governance. A constitution that would permeate the entire union, binding and embracing the interests of every part. A constitution that would ensure peace, freedom, and happiness, to the states and people of America.
On December 4, 1787, he quoted Jefferson’s famous second paragraph of the Declaration and proclaimed that the Constitution was built on the same solid foundation as our independence.
The country celebrated its first Fourth of July under the new “supreme law of the land” the following July. In Philadelphia, James Wilson was the keynote speaker for the city’s celebration of independence.
With over ten thousand people in attendance, Wilson linked the Constitution to the day’s celebrations. He concluded his speech with a vision for the United States under its new Constitution, wishing for the country's happiness to be perpetual.
Bottom Line
As Constitution Day is celebrated amidst a presidential election filled with heated rhetoric, it's important for Americans to reflect on the political philosophy that forms the bedrock of our nation. Both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution ensure that “We the People” live out the true meaning of our creed that “all men are created equal.” What are your thoughts on this? Share this article with your friends and sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6 pm.
Reflecting on America's Founding Documents on Constitution Day
While commemorating Constitution Day, it's not common to ponder upon the Declaration of Independence. However, the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, despite being distinct documents written 11 years apart for different purposes, both played a crucial role in shaping the political philosophy of the United States. They both contain renowned phrases that are studied and memorized by each new generation of Americans. Politicians, activists, and leaders have often referenced these documents to strengthen their arguments or emphasize a point.
Presidents have also frequently drawn upon the Declaration and the Constitution in their speeches and writings. Abraham Lincoln, for instance, referred to the fundamental principles of the Declaration as an “apple of gold” framed by the Constitution, a “picture of silver.”
James Wilson, an immigrant with a Scottish upbringing and education, was the first person to closely link the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Wilson, one of the six men who signed both documents, was a firm believer in the idea that the government exists to secure the natural rights of individuals.
Wilson's Influence on America's Founding Documents
Wilson, a follower of the Scottish Enlightenment, published a pamphlet two years before the Declaration of Independence titled “Considerations on the Nature and Extent of the Legislative Authority of the British Parliament.” In it, he rejected the legislative authority of Parliament and outlined a crucial teaching on political theory that Thomas Jefferson would later echo in the Declaration.
Historian Carl Becker argued that Wilson’s pamphlet laid the groundwork “for the general theory which Jefferson was later able to take for granted as the common sense of the matter.”
As a Pennsylvania delegate to the Constitutional Convention in 1787, Wilson wrote the first draft of the Constitution, including its famous opening “We the People.” He emphasized the importance of citizens having a voice and representation in government more than any other delegate.
Wilson's Role in the Constitutional Convention
Wilson utilized the Declaration for his constitutional arguments and even commissioned a special copy of the Declaration for the proceedings. On June 19, 1787, he read the Declaration, stating that the United Colonies were declared to be free and independent states, implying that they were united, not individually, but as confederated states.
On September 17, 1787, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention met for the last time to sign the document they had created.
During the ratification debates in Pennsylvania, Wilson once again used the Declaration to strengthen his argument for ratification. In his speech on November 26, 1787, he stated that the Constitution was the means to “the great end” the Founding Fathers hoped to accomplish.
Wilson's Vision for the United States
He envisioned a constitution that would bring the benefits of good governance while preventing the inconveniences of bad governance. A constitution that would permeate the entire union, binding and embracing the interests of every part. A constitution that would ensure peace, freedom, and happiness, to the states and people of America.
On December 4, 1787, he quoted Jefferson’s famous second paragraph of the Declaration and proclaimed that the Constitution was built on the same solid foundation as our independence.
The country celebrated its first Fourth of July under the new “supreme law of the land” the following July. In Philadelphia, James Wilson was the keynote speaker for the city’s celebration of independence.
With over ten thousand people in attendance, Wilson linked the Constitution to the day’s celebrations. He concluded his speech with a vision for the United States under its new Constitution, wishing for the country's happiness to be perpetual.
Bottom Line
As Constitution Day is celebrated amidst a presidential election filled with heated rhetoric, it's important for Americans to reflect on the political philosophy that forms the bedrock of our nation. Both the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution ensure that “We the People” live out the true meaning of our creed that “all men are created equal.” What are your thoughts on this? Share this article with your friends and sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6 pm.
