As the first great series of written constitutions, these frames of government attracted wide attention.

Congress printed a set for general distribution, and numerous editions were circulated both at home and abroad.
The constitutions were brief documents, varying from one thousand to twelve thousand words in length, which established the framework of the governmental machinery.

Most of them, before proceeding to practical working details, enunciated a series of general principles upon the subject of government and political morality in what were called declarations or bills of rights.

The character of these declarations may be gathered from the following excerpts: "That all men are by nature equally free and independent, and have certain inherent rights,...

the enjoyment of life and liberty, with the means of acquiring and possessing property, and pursuing and obtaining happiness and safety.