Final answer:
In drafting a new US Constitution today, historical documents such as the Articles of Confederation, Declaration of Independence, and Federalist Papers would be foundational, while state constitutions, the Magna Carta, and international laws would provide contemporary insights and uphold global standards of governance and human rights.
Step-by-step explanation:
If I were a part of a group drafting a new constitution for the United States today, I would rely on a variety of sources that the founders used. Among those, key documents would include the Articles of Confederation, to understand the precedent in American governance and the weaknesses they encountered; the Declaration of Independence, for its principals and understanding of sovereignty and the rights of the people; and the Federalist Papers, for their deep discussion on governance, federalism, and the balancing of power.
Other important sources might include various state constitutions, for a modern perspective on local governance and contemporary issues; the Magna Carta, to reflect on historical concepts of liberty and the rule of law; and lastly, international laws and documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, to ensure that new constitutional provisions are consistent with current international human rights standards.
Consulting both historical and contemporary sources is crucial because we need to appreciate and understand the foundation and evolution of the original Constitution, while also considering the changes in social values, technology, and global relations that affect modern governance.