It took us in this country 11 years to get from the Declaration of Independence to the Constitution.

Mitch McConnell’s quote, "It took us in this country 11 years to get from the Declaration of Independence to the Constitution," highlights the significant time and effort required to establish the foundational legal framework of the United States. McConnell points out the gap between the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the ratification of the Constitution in 1787. The quote serves as a reflection on the challenges and complexities involved in transforming the idealistic vision of independence into a functional system of government.

The 11-year period McConnell refers to was marked by significant struggles, including the failures of the Articles of Confederation, which served as the first constitution of the United States. During this time, the country faced political and economic difficulties that demonstrated the need for a stronger, more effective form of government. The delay in creating the Constitution shows the complexities of forming a new nation and the disagreements that arose between different states and political factions about how to structure the government.

McConnell’s statement also speaks to the importance of compromise and the slow, deliberate process of nation-building. The drafting and ratification of the Constitution involved numerous debates, compromises, and revisions, ultimately culminating in the creation of a framework that has endured for over two centuries. McConnell may be drawing a parallel between the slow, thoughtful process of forming the U.S. Constitution and modern-day challenges in making political decisions or enacting significant changes.

In essence, McConnell’s quote emphasizes the time and effort involved in moving from the Declaration of Independence, which symbolized the break from British rule, to the creation of a stable and structured system of government in the Constitution. It highlights the challenges of establishing a new nation and the long-term process of crafting the ideals of independence into a functioning and enduring political system.