One Nation Under Law: The Meaning of the Declaration of Independence

BOOK REVIEW: One Nation Under Law: The Meaning of the Declaration of Independence by Carlton F.W. Larson (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2026. $33.00 paperback)

Carlton F.W. Larson’s monograph One Nation Under Law: The Meaning of the Declaration of Independence published by Cambridge University Press, discusses the origins of the Declaration of Independence. Through looking at the Declaration, Larson traces the foundations of the document, the creation of the American nation, the workings of the government, and liberty and equality. By exploring these topics, Larson shows how the Declaration of Independence helped the colonists create a new nation not under the control of the British empire, and the formation of new ideals.

Larson opens the monograph with a discussion of where the Declaration of Independence is. Starting with a description of how sheepskin parchment was made, and how the Declaration was originally written on this material, Larson soon segways into a discussion of printing the Declaration. Originally printed by John Dunlap and soon referred to as the Dunlap Broadside, the printed Declaration allowed for the dissemination of the this historic document to the states, where it appeared in newspapers and broadsides (page 12). According to Larson, the document was not signed and written on parchment until July 19, 1776 and not all signatures were placed on that date (p. 12-13). Larson argues that instead of focusing on the parchment copy of the Declaration, one should focus instead on the Dunlap Broadside copies (p. 16).

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The second chapter of Larson’s monograph discusses the writing of the Declaration, beginning with a discussion regarding the Washington Monument and the Jefferson memorial, as well as Jefferson’s grave site. On Jefferson’s grave it states that he was the author of the Declaration of American Independence, an achievement he wanted to be remembered for (p. 18). Through a discussion about the creation of the Declaration, Larson dives into who was in the running to draft the document, finally settling on Thomas Jefferson (p. 20). However, Larson argues that the Declaration of Independence was written by the Continental Congress and that Jefferson wrote the first draft (p. 24).

Chapter three of One Nation Under Law explores the question of whether the Declaration of Independence is even law, opening with a discussion that most lawyers and scholars argue that the Declaration is not in fact law, but instead a statement of ideals (p. 35). Following this discussion, Larson showcases how the Declaration of Independence is seen by lawyers and justices not as law, and that according to a 2024 statement by the United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit the Declaration does not grant rights (p. 37). Countering this argument, Larson explains how the Declaration of Independence is law. Utilizing laws from the 1920s and 1980s, and earlier decisions, he shows how some people argue that the principles stated in the Declaration of Independence are the basis of the Constitution (p. 41). Larson states that the argument for the Declaration of Independence as law lies in its placement of the United States Code (p. 43). The third chapter then further delves into the topics of citizenship, treason and requirements for admission to the Union (p. 47-49). One Nation Under Law argues that the Declaration is related to law, and is intertwined with American law (p. 53).

One Nation Under Law’s third section centers on the topic of making the government work. Larson presents discussions of the Declaration of Independence by law professionals suggesting that the Declaration of Independence is not law but merely aspirations (p. 116-117). Larson argues that focusing on the entire document instead of just the opening preamble allows for an alternative picture to emerge (p. 117). He explains that the historic significance of each of the patriots’ charges against Britain showcase how the King and Parliament were unfit to rule, demonstrating a commitment to self-government and the rule of law (p. 119). These discussions help to clarify the workings of the Declaration of Independence and its role in the Revolutionary War.

The fourth section of the monograph centers on the topics of liberty and equality. Opening with the inclusion of the most famous words of the Declaration of Independence, Larson argues that these words were not the most important at the time of the Declaration’s drafting (p. 151). He posits that these words in the second paragraph of the Declaration of Independence are easily changed based on varying interpretations (p. 152). In doing so, Larson exemplifies how courts should approach the language of the Declaration with caution (p. 152).

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The four sections in Larson’s monograph explore the many attributes of the Declaration of Independence that help to make it a significant document. Through analysis of how the Declaration is viewed by individuals and how it was written, Larson showcases the importance that the Declaration of Independence has in America long after it was written. One Nation Under Law is both well written and well researched, providing readers with a basic understanding into how the Declaration of Independence functions, and its importance to the founding of America.

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