Final answer:
The two most important contributions to the American form of Democratic Republic are the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution due to their foundational roles in establishing the country's governmental structure and democratic ideals.
Step-by-step explanation:
Key Contributions to the American Democratic Republic
The two most important contributions to the American form of Democratic Republic are B) Declaration of Independence and Constitution. The Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution are foundational texts that truly embody the principles shaped by the Enlightenment and the democratic ideals that were integral to the formation of the United States. The Declaration of Independence, consisting of an introduction, a preamble with a statement of principles, a body in two parts detailing grievances, and a conclusion, was pivotal in asserting American sovereignty and inherent rights. The Constitution, bolstered by the Bill of Rights as its first ten amendments, provides the structural framework for the American government, balancing the ideals of democracy with safeguards against tyranny.
While the Gettysburg Address and the Emancipation Proclamation are significant, they did not contribute to the initial formation of the American Democratic Republic. Similarly, the Articles of Confederation and the concept of Manifest Destiny played roles in the nation's development, but are not equivalent to the lasting foundational contributions of the Declaration and Constitution.
Moreover, it's important to understand that the political tradition in the United States emerged from a complex blend of Enlightenment thinking and the pragmatic needs of the colonies, culminating in a revolutionary approach to government and society that continues to evolve.