A fascinating analysis of both the sources and the derivative uses of the Declaration. I agree entirely that the immortal second paragraph of the Declaration is the sole raison d'etre for our nation--and in fact for the international order reflected in the UN Charter as well--while the Constitution was one of many possible means for achieving the goal of government whose sole purpose is to secure the rights of all citizens to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, deriving its just power (that is, power constrained by law) from the consent of the governed. Wherever the Constitution and the Declaration are at odds (as in the institution of the Electoral College), the Declaration should take priority.