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Scott Rasmussen's Number of the Day for July 5, 2019
The Number of the Day columns published on Ballotpedia reflect the views of the author.
July 5, 2019: Fifty-five percent (55%) of voters believe the purpose of government is best defined by the Declaration of Independence: to protect citizens' unalienable rights to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." However, a ScottRasmussen.com poll found that 45% believe a better definition can be found in the preamble to the U.S. Constitution: to "establish justice, insure domestic tranquility," and promote the general well-being of the population.[1]
The Declaration of Independence founded our nation, while the Constitution founded and defined our government. In the early days of our nation, there was a partisan divide over which document should be most revered. However, as Hillsdale College President Dr. Larry Arnn has written, the two documents are complementary rather than contradictory.
In The Founders’ Key, Arnn writes, "The words of the Declaration of Independence ring across the ages. The arrangements of the Constitution have a way of organizing our actions so as to produce certain desirable results, and they have done this more reliably than any governing instrument in the history of man. Connect these arrangements to the beauty of the Declaration and one has something inspiring and commanding."[2]
Each weekday, Scott Rasmussen’s Number of the Day explores interesting and newsworthy topics at the intersection of culture, politics, and technology.
- July 4, 2019 – 66 percent of American adults consider the 4th of July to be one of our nation’s most important holidays
- July 3, 2019 – 6.8 billion dollars spent on food for Fourth of July celebrations
- July 2, 2019 – 243 years ago today, the Continental Congress voted for independence
- July 1, 2019 – 8 percent of American adults have served in the military
- June 28, 2019 – 62 percent of Americans will watch fireworks next week
- To see other recent numbers, check out the archive.
Scott Rasmussen’s Number of the Day is published by Ballotpedia weekdays at 8:00 a.m. Eastern. Click here to check out the latest update.
The Number of the Day is broadcast on local stations across the country. An archive of these broadcasts can be found here.
Columns published on Ballotpedia reflect the views of the author.
Ballotpedia is the nonprofit, nonpartisan Encyclopedia of American Politics.
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