Question

Why do you think the founders did not include the declaration of independence within the constitutional plans for the new federal government

Answer 1

The Declaration of Independence was not included in the constitutional plans because the founders sought to create a new government based on carefully considered principles, such as Popular Sovereignty and Limited Government, separate from the revolutionary ideologies of the Declaration. They wanted a Constitution that was a practical governing document, adaptable over time, and focused on structuring a balanced federal government.

Step-by-step explanation:

The founders of the United States did not include the Declaration of Independence within the constitutional plans for the new federal government because they sought to establish a robust framework separate from the statement of rebellion and intent represented by the Declaration. The Constitution aimed to create an entirely new form of democratic government—a Federal Republic. For this system to be effective, the framers carefully considered the problems with previous forms of government and drew inspiration from Enlightenment ideas. Yet, they knew a more daring experiment in democracy was needed, blending Enlightenment ideals with American thoughts on self-government, thus crafting the Constitution, a document outlining a blueprint for government that was unique and adaptable.

Additionally, Americans realized the necessity of forming new state governments that underscored the fight for independence by implementing structures based on the consent of the governed. This focus on state governments was initially more pronounced than the push to form a national government. There was concern that a strong national government could undermine the very rights they fought for, leading to significant debate on the distribution of power between the states and the national government.

Ultimately, the Constitution was designed to embed the principles of Popular Sovereignty and Limited Government, among others. These principles reflected the Founding Fathers' belief in a balanced, well-structured federal government that could endure over time. The decision to keep the Declaration separate ensured that the Constitution would stand on its own as the functional governing document rather than as an extension of the revolutionary sentiments that sparked independence.

Answer 2

The Declaration of Independence was not included into the constitutional plans for the new federal government because is was not an operational document or law. It contains nothing relevant to powers and responsibilities, procedures, or anything else that's needed in order to set up a government; it simply was a letter from the Continental Congress to King George III notifying him that they were about to commit treason by leaving the British empire and creating their own country, and listing their reasons for doing so.