Sir Winston Churchill observed, "It has been said that Democracy is the worst form of government except all those other forms that have been tried from time to time." Speech, House of Commons, November 1947; Certainly democracy has proved itself, among human systems of government, to be of enormous support to the development and progress of human liberties.
Of the significant documents that have clearly advanced the element of independence in mankind's search for freedom, two stand out as having made an especially unique contribution. More than seven centuries ago the Magna Charta—the Great Charter—of political and civil liberties was signed. This step marked a beginning of democracy in England. It was the cornerstone for a budding recognition of the significance of independence for mankind.
The Declaration of Independence of the United States moves another year now beyond its two centuries of service. This document—which acknowledges a birthright of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for its citizens—proclaims an invaluable standard of justice, freedom, and equality.
