In one sense, the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution are the foundation of the country’s government. The Declaration laid out the principles toward which we aspire. The Constitution established the three branches of government. It contains many brilliant mechanisms to check the power of the state. The Bill of Rights offers another layer of protection.

But mere words — even some of the most brilliant and influential words ever written — didn’t create America’s greatness. Americans did.

Imagine you could magically impose America’s system of government in Somalia, Afghanistan or the Gaza Strip. Same Declaration of Independence. Same Constitution. Same Bill of Rights. Would it turn those Third World nations into First World successes?

Of course not. Just look at the 260,000 pe

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