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Social Studies Collection2026 Core Spec
United States HistoryMEDIUMVerified Curriculum1 min read

Foundational Documents: Declaration of Independence and the Constitution

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Foundational Documents: Declaration of Independence and the Constitution

1. Declaration of Independence (1776)

  • Primary Author: Thomas Jefferson.
  • Enlightenment Influence: Drew heavily on philosopher John Locke's theory of Natural Rights (Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness) and the Social Contract (government derives its legitimate power from the consent of the governed).
  • Core Premise: When a government becomes tyrannical and fails to protect citizens' rights, the people have a right to alter or abolish it.

2. United States Constitution (1787)

  • Replaced the weak Articles of Confederation, which lacked an executive branch and federal taxation power.
  • Established a federal republic grounded in Separation of Powers, Checks and Balances, and Federalism.
  • Federalist Papers (Hamilton, Madison, Jay): Essays written to persuade states to ratify the Constitution, arguing that a strong federal government with checks prevents mob rule and factional tyranny.