2006-08-30 14:18:12 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Government
NONE!!! Take time to read it!!!
2006-08-30 14:23:53 · answer #1 · answered by Vagabond5879 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well in essence the Constitution provides a centralized federal government structure, and outlines the pecking order within the 3 main branches. It also touches on the powers and representations of the states of the Union, among a long list of other things.
Although one could argue or point out that the Constitution contradicts the point of declaring independence, only in semantical terms could that be correct. Both actually work hand-in-hand, as one paved the way for the other. The main point is that the Declaration of Independence was to establish an independent nation free from foreign rule and requesting the right to govern ourselves. The Constitution is the outline or the foundation put into place following that acquisition. We simply followed through with the request to form our own country.
To try to compare the two against each other is a flawed approach lacking understanding.
2006-08-30 21:29:05 · answer #2 · answered by C Bass 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Declaration contains a set of ideals. The Constitution contains a set of laws. As far as significant differences...
In the Preamble, there is a statement of equality that wasn't in the Constitution until the Equal Protection clause of the 14th Amendment. Also, where the Declaration talks about "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness" the Due Process Clause protects "Life, Liberty, and Property". Those two clauses have been interpreted as being inclusive of each other by the Supreme Court.
The Declaration talks about overthrow of a government, while the Constitution merely provides methods for amending and changing the govt. Different time, different purpose.
Finally, at the end, the Declaration appeals to the "Supreme Judge of the World" to create "free and independent states", while the Constitution holds itself and the federal govt as supreme, overriding the states.
Those are the biggest differences I noticed at a glance.
2006-08-30 21:23:40 · answer #3 · answered by coragryph 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
If they're contradictory, which one do we cancel?
Cancel the Declaration of Independence and "Viola"!!! We are once again an English colony.
Cancel the Constitution and we have utter chaos.
2006-08-30 21:23:51 · answer #4 · answered by Albannach 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'm sorry to say but they do not contradict each other. Just sit down and read them like you should have back in 7/8 grade social studies..
2006-08-30 21:26:12 · answer #5 · answered by kinky couple 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They are two totally different documents for written for two totally different reasons so I dont see why it matters....
2006-08-30 21:25:19 · answer #6 · answered by Savant 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋