Final answer:
Liberty and freedom as articulated in the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution signify an individuals' right to live without unauthorized restraint. However, the historical coexistence of liberty with slavery shows an imperfect application of these ideals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Liberty and freedom are interrelated concepts that are foundational to the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. Liberty in these documents can be understood as the freedom to live as one wishes within the constraints of the law, and respecting the rights of others. Freedom, in a broader sense, often includes this notion of liberty but can also refer to the state of being free from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views.
The founders were influenced by Enlightenment ideals, such as those articulated by John Locke and Baron Montesquieu, and sought to create a government that protected the natural rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness while balancing the needs for order and equality.
However, the historical context shows a contradiction where political liberty coexisted with the institution of slavery, indicating that the practice of these ideals was not universally applied. Despite the imperfections, the U.S. Constitution has continued to evolve with amendments that aim to broaden the application of liberty and freedom, recognizing them as dynamic concepts requiring continuous effort to maintain their balance within a changing society.