2
COMPARATIVE PAPER
The Founding Documents of the United States of America
COMPARATIVE PAPER
The Founding Documents of the United States of America
The founding documents of this country have shaped our national government and our society. This paper examines the founding documents, and the principles found in the Holy Scriptures, in an effort to explain how Biblical principles helped form our civil government.
Founding Documents
Declaration of Independence
The Declaration of Independence was written in 1776 and was mostly authored by Thomas Jefferson. The purpose of this document was to announce that the 13 English colonies in North America decided to become independent from England and start a new country.
One important idea in the Declaration of Independence was that “all men are created equal.” Another was the principle of popular sovereignty which is the idea that a government gets its power from the people. If the government misuses its power, the people have a right to form a new government. (Daley, 2018).
Jefferson wrote that God gave rights to the people—“Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness”—and that no person or government should be able to take those rights away. (Daley, 2018). The Bible also discusses freedom and the pursuit of happiness in many Scriptures. For example, Galatians says: “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” (Galatians 5:13-15, ESV).
Constitution
In 1787, the U.S. Constitution was written. This document states the primary principles which guide the country’s government and laws. The Constitution is considered the highest law
of the land, which means no government, person, or even the president, can enforce a condition which goes against the Constitution. The Constitution guarantees the rights and freedoms of the American people, including freedom of religion and freedom of speech.
The first 3 words of the Constitution are, “We the People…” and these words are written larger than anything else. The writers wanted to stress that the new government came from the people of the United States. (Daley, 2018).
Another principle in the Constitution is the separation of powers. The national government was divided into 3 branches: executive, legislative, and judicial. This assures that no single part of the government becomes too powerful.
Some view the Constitution as a living, breathing document. The claim is made that it changes and grows like a living thing. However, this founding document is lik...
