Securing The Blessings Of Liberty Discussion 5

The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution asserts that the Founders were driven by a desire to “secure the blessings of liberty.” This phrase echoes the Declaration of Independence, which asserted that, “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.–That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.” Explain what the Framers meant by “securing the blessings of liberty” and how this idea related to their understanding of the role and structure of government. Be sure to explain how this idea was rooted both in American political history and in American political culture.

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Discussion 5: Securing Liberty’s Blessings
Discussion 5: Securing Liberty’s Blessings

The Founders were motivated by a desire to “protect the blessings of liberty,” according to the Preamble of the United States Constitution. This phrase is reminiscent of the Declaration of Independence, which said that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, among them are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.” That governments are established among men to secure these rights, and that their lawful powers are derived from the consent of the governed.” Explain what the Framers meant by “securing the blessings of liberty” and how this idea related to their understanding of the role and structure of government. Make careful to explain how this concept came to be.