GOVT 200
Comparison Paper Instructions
For this assignment, you will read the U.S. Constitution, the Declaration of Independence, and Thomas Jefferson’s Letter to the Danbury Baptists in 1802. Once you have read these founding documents and Jefferson’s letter, you will write a 2–3-page paper (double-spaced, 1-inch margins) adhering to the format specified in the Course Style Guidelines document, comparing each of them. When comparing the U.S. Constitution and Declaration of Independence, pay particular attention to the themes apparent in both documents and comment on which document came first and why that is important. You must also answer the question, “What do you think the signers of the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution thought about the separation of church and state or about the separation of God from government?” (Note: these are not the same thing.)Be sure to incorporate a biblical worldview in your paper.
Comparison Paper
Govt-200 B07
Kenya Drake
Let’s look at what the comparisons between the three historical events are. First there is The Declaration of Independence which was a product of the early days of the Revolutionary War. On July 2nd 1776 the 2nd Continental Congress the Legislature of the American Colonies voted for independence from Great Britain. Since the creation in 1776 the Declaration of Independence has been considered the single most important expression of the ideals of the US democracy. As a statement of the fundamental principles of the United Stated, The declaration is an enduring reminder of the country’s commitment to popular government and equal rights for all.
It then appointed a committee of five John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, Roger Sherman, and Robert R. Livingston to draft a formal statement of independence designed to influence public opinion at home and abroad. Secondly, The Constitution of the United States Amendments, which established America’s national government and fundamental laws, and guaranteed certain basic rights for its citizens. It was signed on September 17, 1787, by delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia. Under America’s first governing document, the Articles of Confederation, the national government was weak and states operated like independent countries. At the 1787 convention, delegates devised a plan for a stronger federal government with three branched executive, legislative and judicial along with a system of checks and balances to ensure no single branch would have too much power. The Bill of Rights was 10 amendments guaranteeing basic individual protections, such as freedom of speech and religion, which became part of the Constitution in 1791. To date, there are 27 constitutional amendments. And Thirdly, The Thomas Jefferson’s Letter to the Danbury Baptists in 1802, in which he explained his beliefs about federalism and the meaning of the Establishment Clause. Jefferson did not address the subject of state-sponso...
