224 years ago today, the final draft of the Constitution was signed by the delegates and sent to the congresses of the states, marking the beginning of the most successful constitutional republic in all history. It borrowed many ideas from many different sources, yet was original in a single, all important concept. The rights of mankind are naturally derived, NOT created and granted by government. It is the duty of government to protect rights, not to parcel them out like gifts.
It's too bad so many have forgotten this principle.