Question

Read these excerpts:

Declaration of Independence
In every stage of these Oppressions, We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. . . We, therefore, the Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved;

The Preamble to the US Constitution
We the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Consider the purpose of these two excerpts, and then compare their structure and tone. How do these elements differ in the two excerpts? Cite evidence from the text to support your response.

Answer 1

The first excerpt states that basically when one is suffering or in pain, that "Representatives of the United States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States" Meaning that the representatives will annihilate all links to any political connections and we shall be free.

The second excerpt states that in krder to "create a more perfect union" they will establish justice and defense and secure the safety of their citizens, similar to the first excerpt.

The two differ because the first excerpt is longer, and well informed, and has a variety of words and is highly detailed, while the second excerpt is shorter and less detailed. The tone of the two are ensuring and honest, as they both state that they want to free and protect the citizens.

Answer 2

Both of these excerpts come from extremely important documents in American history. The Declaration of Independence is the document responsible for our autonomy and independence. On the other hand, the Constitution is the document that ensures that the rule of law is respected in the country.

In the first excerpt, the purpose is to declare the colonists' intentions to be independent. This can be seen in the phrase "That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States." It also attempts to give the reasons why the colonies want to achieve this independence. The tone of this text is one of indignation and determination. On the other hand, in the second excerpt, the purpose is to explain why the Constitution should exist. The author summarizes the reasons by saying that the Constitution has as purpose to "form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity." The tone of the Constitution is a positive and formal one.