Relationship between Declaration and Constitution

Question 1

How do the Declaration and Constitution relate to one another?

Answer 1

The declaration serves as the end (mission statement), and the constitution is the means (strategic plan) to accomplish it.

Question 2

What is Lincoln’s “apple of gold” and “frame of silver” metaphor?

Answer 2

The apple of Gold is the declaration. And the union/constitution is the frame. Constitution is valuable on it’s own but the purpose is to protect the heart of liberty in the declaration.

Question 3

What are the general topics of each of the seven articles of the Constitution?

Answer 3

Article 1: Legislative
Article 2: Executive
Article 3: Judicial
Article 4: State relationships
Article 5: constitution amendments
Article 6: constitution → supreme law of the land
Article 7: Ratification

Question 4

What are the main themes/elements of the Constitution?

Answer 4

bill of rights, separation of powers, federalism

Question 5

How do these themes seek to “secure” the liberties described in the declaration?

Answer 5

The three create checks and balances to hold powers accountable.