When it came time to draft a new constitution, the Founders drew upon the principles they had outlined in the Declaration. The Declaration and the Constitution, together, address mankind's most basic political questions. Resting on a firm moral foundation, they articulate the first principles of political organization. Thus, they were meant to serve not merely the 18th century but generations to come, which would face those same basic questions, whatever their particular circumstances, whatever their state of material progress. Because the principles the Founders articulated transcend both time and technology, they will serve us well as we move through the 21st century, if only we understand them correctly and apply them well. Issues Since it was ratified in 1788, the United States Constitution has served as the supreme law of the United States of America. It defines the system of limited government set forth by the Founders to protect the rights and freedoms with which all people are endowed by their Creator.