In “Fragment: The Constitution and the Union,” Lincoln worked out his thoughts on paper in order to logically understand the relationship between the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. According to Lincoln, the principle of “liberty to all” was the core value that enabled the nation’s prosperity and unity. His argument was based on four premises. First, he posited the principle of “liberty to all” as the fundamental cause of prosperity. Second, he highlighted the role of the Declaration of Independence in expressing the liberty principle. Third, he envisioned a metaphor showing the relationship between the principle of liberty and the structures of the Union and the Constitution. Finally, he argued for preserving the principle of liberty while maintaining the integrity of the Constitution and the Union.
Lincoln declared that “this” is not by chance. It is driven by philosophy. But what is this thing he was referring to? He considered “this” to be how the founders used the constitutional process to shape the Union and the Constitution. He acknowledged the extensive deliberation, debate, and negotiation required to reach the document that united the republican states under a federal union. According to Lincoln, the Union and the Constitution were essential in influencing the outcome. Despite this, Lincoln proposed that the Union and the Constitution did not primarily lead to the nation’s great prosperity. A deeper meaning seemed to back them up, binding “itself closer to the human heart.” In his contemplation, Lincoln wrote that the core principle was “Liberty for all,” which opened doors for everyone, inspired hope, and encouraged initiative and hard work. Lincoln’s Old Whig philosophy was deeply linked to this principle, allowing individuals to pursue their desires and improve their lives without unfair obstacles. Thus, his first premise argued that this liberty was the ultimate cause of prosperity.
Lincoln hypothesized that the core principle in the Declaration of Independence, the principle of liberty, justified independence from Great Britain and was also a foundational bedrock for free government and prosperity. Lincoln pointed out that the hope of a better future, not just a change of tyrannical leader, was crucial for oppressed individuals to continue their struggle and succeed. The second premise, then, was this expression of the liberty principle in the Declaration.
His third premise developed the relationship between the two foundational documents through a memorable metaphor. He portrayed the principle of “Liberty to all,” declared in the Declaration of Independence, as an “apple of gold.” At the same time, he described the Constitution as the “picture of silver” thoughtfully framed around the “apple of gold.” This metaphor highlighted the innate value of the Declaration’s principles and illustrated the Constitution’s role in safeguarding and enhancing these ideals.
How did Lincoln’s metaphor articulate the relationship between both founding documents? The metaphor explains that the apple symbolizes something of the highest value and worth. It suggested that the principle of liberty is precious and fundamental. Silver, while also valuable, was valued less than gold. The “picture of silver” implied that the Constitution, while paramount, is secondary to the principle it encases. It protects and enhances the “apple.” The Constitution was created to protect, preserve, and adorn the doctrine of liberty, not to overshadow or replace it. This implied that any interpretation of the Constitution should keep the fundamental principle of liberty as the focus. The metaphor proposed that the founders created a framework (the Constitution) to ensure the permanence and supremacy of the“liberty to all” principle.
What does this metaphor suggest about Lincoln’s views on the role of the foundational principles in guiding governmental actions and policies? Lincoln’s analogy indicated that all laws and amendments to the Constitution should strive to enhance and not contradict the Declaration’s principle of liberty. It can be inferred from his use of the metaphor that Lincoln was alluding to the contemporary issue of slavery, which directly contradicted this principle by denying liberty to African Americans. This contradiction may have led Lincoln to ponder how to align the Constitution better—the picture of silver—with its foundational purpose of protecting the apple of gold, the liberty principle of the Declaration.
His fourth and final premise argued to perpetuate the liberty principle while keeping the Constitution and the Union intact. In the penultimate paragraph of the “Fragment,” Lincoln urged all to heed the metaphor’s message so that “neither picture, or apple, shall ever be blurred, or broken.” He called for a commitment to protect the structure of the government as outlined in the Constitution and the principle of liberty upon which it was founded. His use of the words “blurred” and “broken” suggested concern for neglect and active damage to the ideals and framework of these two foundational documents. It was a call for careful observation and active maintenance of the integrity of the Constitution and the principle embodied in the words of the Declaration, “All men are created equal.”
His call to protect the picture and the apple implied that the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence were interdependent; neither was complete without the other, and both were necessary for a just, prosperous, and enduring Union. Lincoln called on leaders and citizens alike to ensure that these foundational principles and constitutional laws that uphold them are neither compromised nor forgotten. His words could be seen as a directive to future generations to interpret the Constitution in a way that perpetuates and clarifies the Declaration’s commitment to liberty rather than undermining it. The American founding documents were historical artifacts and living principles that must continually guide the nation’s development and resolve conflicts. Lincoln’s directive extended beyond mere preservation to active engagement with these principles. It was an invitation to act.
Lincoln stated that in order to act, everyone must study and understand the Declaration and the Constitution to know all the “points of danger.” This phrase, “points of danger,” suggested specific threats to the principles in these documents. Understanding them required a deep familiarity with both the letter and the spirit of the foundational texts. It implied a proactive approach to governance—foreseeing and addressing potential threats before they could undermine liberty and justice. Lincoln’s statement deeply emphasized an informed and educated citizenry for leaders and the masses. It was a call to civic duty. It was a call for an excellent education in these principles that ensured a free society for all. It was a call to protect liberty.
In the last two paragraphs, Lincoln alluded to a vision where the Union, the Constitution, and the principle of liberty were inseparable and must advance together. He implied that it was unacceptable for any of these foundational elements to move forward independently if another is neglected. This interdependence signified that the health of the Union relied on the unity of the apple (the Declaration of Independence) and the picture (the Constitution). Such cohesion ensured that as the nation evolved, it did so with a unified identity that respected its legal framework and moral commitments. By suggesting that the integration of these documents formed the genuine Union, Lincoln provided a vital guideline for policy and constitutional interpretation, ensuring that all laws and reforms adhere to constitutional principles and advance the foundational ideals of liberty.
One might question whether Lincoln assumed that all readers would value liberty equally. Or did he think that the moral principle of liberty should naturally override other considerations in governance? Lincoln’s use and understanding of the liberty principle in the metaphor assumed his audience universally valued liberty similarly. This assumption would be critical to how his arguments were received contemporarily and in the future. People might have interpreted the principle differently. For example, the “liberty to all” principle for some might have related to state’s rights or economic freedoms, while for others, it could have meant individual liberties. Each assumption would significantly affect the outcome of individual and group understanding of the principle, causing conflict and even a possible war.
Lincoln's arguments would have been significantly persuasive if a universal understanding and valuation of the liberty principle existed. Was this assumption a rhetorical strength, enabling a broad appeal, or did it risk alienating parts of his audience who might feel their version of liberty was misunderstood or overlooked? Assuming that everyone valued liberty in the same way could lead to misunderstandings and alienate people who viewed it differently. However, this assumption could also bring people together and make it easier for leaders and the people to make decisions. Did Lincoln encourage open discussions about what liberty meant to different people to handle this challenge? One of his arguments was to educate all about the liberty principle and how it produced a free government and prosperity for all. Lincoln indeed encouraged a close reading and understanding of Liberty.
Abraham Lincoln’s argument in “Fragment: The Constitution and the Union” logically and consistently aligned with historical facts and the principles outlined in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, and his conclusions validly followed his premises. His argument appropriately addressed the individual rights of all races, people, nations, and the world. It conserved the founding principle of liberty that empowered a new nation to break away from its tyrannical mother country, supported the creation of the Constitution that protected this liberty, and had the power to correct the misalignment of different understandings of the principle. Lincoln’s argument was valid; it conserved the principle and corrected the misunderstanding of that principle.
Abraham Lincoln's analysis in the “Fragment” masterfully used the metaphor of the "apple of gold" and the "picture of silver" to highlight the critical importance of liberty as the core value driving the fledgling nation. His discussion went beyond defining the relationship between the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution; it was a powerful reminder that the governance structures are meant to protect and elevate fundamental rights, not overshadow them.
Lincoln's message was clear: people needed to preserve and actively engage with the founding principles to keep the nation's ideals solid and clear. His call for vigilance and education in understanding the essence of liberty was incredibly relevant then and remains so today. He challenged each to keep the dialogue alive and continuously scrutinize whether each lived up to the promise of liberty outlined in the foundational documents. Through his thoughtful arguments and philosophical reflections, Lincoln clearly addressed the issues of his time and provided a guide for future generations.
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