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The signers of the Declaration of Independence are not
the same as the members of the Constitutional Convention
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| Government |
proposed in Declaration of Independence, 1776 |
established by Constitution, 1787 |
| republic = no vested offices, sovereign power is limited
"of the people" |
"We the representatives...in the name and by the authority
of the good people of these colonies..." |
"We the people...." |
| democracy = participation by people in their own governance;
access to government "by the people" |
"alter or abolish..." |
only the House is elected by the people. No language about
access. |
| purpose of government = to protect inalienable rights "for the people" |
"To secure these rights governments are instituted among
men..." |
"...in order to form a more perfect union, establish
justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense,
promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty..." |
| confederation of independent states |
"...these united colonies are...free and independent
states..." |
"No State shall enter into any treaty, alliance, or
confederation...." |
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