Abraham Lincoln viewed the Declaration of Independence as America's moral foundation and the Constitution as the means to achieve the Declaration's principles of liberty and equality for all. Dr. Paul Kreis explains Lincoln's understanding that the Constitution must be guided by the Declaration's self-evident truths, particularly regarding slavery and freedom.

• Lincoln saw the relationship between the Declaration and Constitution as the most important political question of his time
• The Constitution exists to serve the aims and ideals set forth in the Declaration
• Lincoln believed the federal government couldn't abolish slavery where it existed but could restrict its expansion
• The Gettysburg Address deliberately begins with "four score and seven years ago" to reference 1776 (Declaration) not 1787 (Constitution)
• Lincoln's "apple of gold" metaphor describes the Declaration as precious with the Constitution as its protective silver frame
• The statement "the picture was made for the apple, not the apple for the picture" captures Lincoln's view of the proper relationship
• Lincoln sought to harmonize enlightenment principles, constitutional elements, and biblical references in his understanding of America
• His approach dissatisfied both abolitionists (who wanted immediate action) and Southern leaders (who distrusted his intentions)

Documents Mentioned:

Preamble to the Constitution

Gettysburg Address

Letter to Henry Pierce

Fragment Discussion

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