Final answer:
The Constitution protects rights from the Declaration of Independence by delineating them in the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment, establishing a government with checks and balances, and ensuring avenues for democratic participation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The United States Constitution protects the rights stated in the Declaration of Independence by establishing a system of government with checks and balances and by explicitly enumerating rights in the Bill of Rights. The first ten amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, provide a broad range of protections, including freedom of speech, religion, and press; the right to bear arms; protections against unreasonable search and seizure; and the right to a fair trial, all aimed at safeguarding the principles of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Additionally, the Fourteenth Amendment offers the promise of equal protection under the law, seeking to ensure that all individuals are treated fairly.
These constitutional rights have evolved as society and technology have changed, with the judiciary playing a crucial role in defining and applying these rights. The protection of individual rights through the Constitution is a dynamic process, involving not only the legal frameworks but also the vigilant actions of citizens. The right to vote and the ability to influence governmental power through elections are additional ways the Constitution safeguards liberty. Furthermore, the influence of the Declaration of Independence is seen internationally, as its core principles have been echoed in important global documents such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.