The Declaration, the Constitution, and the Consent of the Governed
A recent conference explored the Founders' concept of 'consent of the governed' as articulated in the Declaration of Independence. The discussion highlighted the complexities of justifying independence from British rule while addressing the moral authority of the King. The evolution of governance in the United States, from the Declaration to the Constitution, reflects ongoing adaptations of this principle over time.
- ▪The Declaration of Independence justified the colonies' break from Great Britain by citing 'repeated injuries and usurpations' by the King.
- ▪The Founders argued that governments derive their powers from the consent of the governed, which is a moral justification for their authority.
- ▪The Constitution established a new government structure that retained powers for the states and the people, while emphasizing the importance of consent.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
A recent Fund for American Studies conference asked its panelists to explain what the Founders intended when they used the phrase “consent of the governed” in the Declaration of Independence, which at first blush seemed simple for a PhD in political science and longtime lecturer on the general subject of the Founding.But the more I thought of it, the more complex this question became.The Declaration was certainly “intended” to justify declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain. The Founders made their case by enumerating “repeated injuries and usurpations” by the King, resulting in “an absolute tyranny” that voided his moral right to rule.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The American Spectator | USA News and Politics.
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