My Very Own Constitution: The Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States of America (I Know My Rights)

In the summer of 1776, representatives of the thirteen colonies gathered in Philadelphia. They declared to the world that they were no longer subjects of King George III and the British Empire, but a free and independent people. However, the Declaration of Independence did not merely formalize the separation of the colonies from Great Britain; it is a statement of human liberty, equality, and dignity. Following the Revolution, the Founders were faced with establishing a government that embodied the virtues of the Declaration of Independence. In September of 1787, after months of deliberation, the Constitution of the United States was signed. Rather than creating a government of unyielding authority, like the British government that they had just rejected, our Founders sought to form a government whose authority and power is constrained by the individual rights of the people. Not a government of limitless power, but one limited to the purpose of protecting the individual rights of all people. As such, it remains the duty of each individual to be educated in matters of government and law. By learning our most fundamental laws, we can take a more significant part in our communities and our nation. We become better prepared to stand up for the rights and dignity of ourselves, our families, our neighbors and friends, and even strangers whom we may never meet. An excellent companion to the I Know My Rights children series. This delightfully illustrated pocket edition of the Declaration and Constitution will serve as a constant reminder of our rights and as a resource of knowledge for years to come! Read more