The Declaration of Independence and Constitutional Law Essay

In order for one to understand American Constitutional law, one must first look to the Constitution; and therefore, look to the federal government established in the Constitution. The federal government is purposefully divided into three branches: the legislative branch that makes the laws, the judicial branch that interprets the laws, and the executive branch that puts the laws into effect. Article VI, Clause 2, sets up the Constitution as â€Å"the supreme Law of the Land;† and therefore, legislators, judges, and presidents must comply with the standards set in the Constitution. Judges, then, have the function to interpret what the Constitution means and have the responsibility to ensure laws adhere to the Constitution. Thereby, the†¦show more content†¦Evidently Lincoln, more so than others, upheld the view of the Declaration to its original purpose of securing people’s rights on the basis of the governed. Lincoln stated that it if were not for the Declarati on the states would not have been able to declare its freedom from Great Britain, but also, would not have been able to â€Å"secure our free government, and consequent prosperity.† Lincoln proceeded to move closer to the Declaration’s principles because he felt that to do other wise would strip the Constitution from its moral base. Also referring to the principles of the Declaration, Lincoln drew for a verse in the Book of Proverbs – â€Å"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver,† – and said that â€Å"the assertion of that principle[s], at that time, was the word, ‘fitly spoken’ which has proved an ‘apple of gold’ to us. The Union, and the Constitution, are the picture of silver, subsequently framed around it. The picture was made, not to conceal, or destroy the apple; but to adorn, and preserve it. The picture was made for the apple not the apple for the picture.† The Declaration and it s principles are the apple of gold and the Constitution if the picture of silver. Considering the importance of the ideas in the Declaration, it is essential to understand their true meaning. But in a modern age ofShow MoreRelated Americas Abandonment of Natural Law Essay1185 Words   |  5 PagesNatural Law      Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The Declaration of Independence forthrightly states We hold these truths to be self evident: that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights; that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The origin of these Rights is ...the Laws of Nature and of Natures God... (Declaration of Independence). 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