In 1776, Thomas Jefferson wrote, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Building upon that idea, the framers who wrote the Constitution sought to create a “more perfect union.” How successful was the early republic (1789-1820) in living up to these ideals and goals?

In 1776, Thomas Jefferson wrote, “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.” Building upon that idea, the framers who wrote the Constitution sought to create a “more perfect union.” How successful was the early republic (1789-1820) in living up to these ideals and goals?