The Solution is the Constitution
The Declaration of Independence outlines the reasons the colonists were declaring their independence from Britain. The Declaration of Independence describes the continued infringement and was spurred by the understanding of the colonists that Parliament intended to take away their freedom. While the Declaration of Independence outlines the infringements of liberty, the US Constitution was created to protect them. Below are examples of excerpts from the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution showing how the Constitution is the Solution!
“Anyone who desires to be ignorant and free, desires what never was and never will be.”
“In question of power, then, let no more be said of confidence in man but bind him down with the chains of the Constitution.”
— Thomas Jefferson
“Every word of the Constitution decides a question between power and liberty.”
— James Madison
Declaration of Independence:
For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent
US Constitution - Article I, SECTION. 8.
The Congress shall have Power To lay and collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay the Debts and provide for the common Defense and general Welfare of the United States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;
Declaration of Independence:
In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury
AMENDMENT I
Ratified December 15, 1791
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
Declaration of Independence:
He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures.
US Constitution AMENDMENT III
Ratified December 15, 1791
No Soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the Owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.
Declaration of Independence:
For depriving us in many cases, of the benefits of Trial by Jury
AMENDMENT VI
Ratified December 15, 1791
In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the State and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the Assistance of Counsel for his defense.
The words used in the US Constitution and Declaration of Independence had meaning at the time of drafting the Constitution and we must always use the meanings of words at the time the Constitution was drafted. This way of approaching the understanding and application of the Constitution is also known as Original Intent.