1776 · Declaration
We are free
Declared independence from Britain.
- Life
- Liberty
- Pursuit of happiness
All study guidesLearn the basics
The founding documents
Declaration vs. Constitution vs. Bill of Rights — what each one says and why it matters.
Freedom → Government → Rights
1787 · Constitution
Our government
The supreme law of the land.
- We the People
- Forms the government
- Defines government powers
1791 · Bill of Rights
Our rights
The first ten amendments.
- Speech and religion
- Other basic freedoms
- Limits government power
A way to remember
D · C · B
DDeclare freedom
CCreate government
BBasic rights
1776 → 1787 → 1791. Freedom first, then the government, then the Bill of Rights.
Try to remember
Which document begins with “We the People”?
A little more detail
Declaration of Independence (1776)
Said the American colonies were free from Britain. It declares that all people are created equal and contains the famous words “Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness.”
The Constitution (1787)
The supreme law of the land. It forms the government, defines its powers and parts, and protects the rights of the people. It starts with “We the People” — meaning the people govern themselves (self-government, popular sovereignty).
Bill of Rights (1791)
The first ten amendments. It protects the basic rights of Americans and of everyone living in the United States — like freedom of speech and religion.
Memory trick
Declaration = we're free. Constitution = here's the government. Bill of Rights = here are your rights. Two big ideas in the founding documents: equality and liberty (also natural rights, limited government, self-government).
Ready to practice?
This guide connects to 9 official questions.
Practice 10 questions