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United States Constitution |
A Declaration of Interdependence
“WE, the People of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common Defence, promote the General Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to Ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”
After winning independence, Americans realized that thirteen independent states could not stand on their own. The focus went from a Declaration to a Constitution, and from independence to interdependence.
The Philadelphia Convention sent their proposal to Congress in New York with Covering Resolutions, signed by George Washington, that resonate today:
“It is obviously impracticable in the federal government of these States, to secure all rights of independent sovereignty to each, and yet provide for the interest and safety of all—: Individuals entering into society, must give up a share of liberty to preserve the rest… It is at all times difficult to draw with precision the line between those rights which must be surrendered, and those which may be reserved… this difficulty was encreased by a difference among the several States as to their situation, extent, habits, and particular interests.”
Upon ratification, the United States of America was launched in New York City in 1789. Consisting of states with different economic systems and currencies, and citizens of vastly diverse cultural, religious, ethnic, educational and class backgrounds, its success could not be taken for granted.
September 19, 1787. Pennsylvania Packet,and Daily Advertiser.
Approximately 32 known. Kaller has handled four of the last six copies on the market.
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