State Constitutions and the Declaration of Independence

The relationship between the Declaration of Independence and the United States Constitution has long been studied, but its influence on state constitutions remains largely overlooked. Early state charters—shaped by founders such as Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and George Mason—often drew directly from the Declaration’s language and philosophy. Many state constitutions still contain provisions reflecting its principles, including natural rights, equality, and government by consent. Because these connections are so direct, interpreting state constitutions through the Declaration can strengthen protections for liberty within federalism. Recent Arizona Supreme Court decisions illustrate how invoking the Declaration’s principles can reinforce constitutional limits on government power and sustain its influence well beyond its 250th anniversary.