Constitution Case

02.05 The Constitution

I. Preamble

The Preamble states the purpose of the government. It is concise and to the point. It reads as follows:

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

There are six specific purposes laid out in the Preamble:

1. To form a more perfect Union

2. To establish justice

3. To insure domestic tranquility

4. To provide for the common defense

5. To promote the general welfare

6. To secure the blessings of liberty

Here is a brief explanation of these purposes:

1. To form a more perfect Union

When the Constitution was written in 1787, the United States was struggling to maintain itself as one united country. The Articles of Confederation (our first government) placed a higher emphasis on state's rights rather than on one national government. Disagreements among the states often resulted in bitter rivalries and jealousies--not exactly the type of atmosphere that promotes national pride! By forming a strong national (federal) government, the U.S. Constitution attempted to eliminate the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation.

2. To establish Justice

The purposes of government are perhaps best described as government responsibility to ensure people are treated fairly and have equal protection under the law.

3. To insure domestic Tranquility

A primary function of government is to maintain order and peace within a country.

4. To provide for the common defense

This refers to our government's responsibility to defend our nation against foreign enemies.

5. To promote the general Welfare

This purpose of government refers to the services and protections our government provides to U.S. citizens. Examples include supporting public education, protecting the environment, and regulating transportation. Government may also provide income, housing, or healthcare for the poor, elderly, disabled, or disadvantaged.

6. To secure the Blessings of Liberty

Our government recognizes the importance of personal liberties and strives to protect them. The government will not, however, give all citizens the freedom to