Notes on the Preamble

To the Constitution

The Declaration of Independence is the founding document of the

United States.

The Preamble states the

purpose of the Constitution.

We the people of the United States

This phrase shows that governmental power comes

from the people. It matches statements made in

the Declaration of Independence

in order to form a more perfect union

The convention was supposed to fix the flaws in the

Articles of Confederation.

Instead they wrote a brand new Constitution.

Articles of Confederation

Establish justice,

The laws are supposed to apply equally to everyone. While this was not true in the beginning, the U.S. has made steady progress and officially

everyone has equal rights.

Symbol of Justice

Insure domestic tranquility

The government is to make sure there is

peace within the country. Its

job is to prevent anarchy, constant

riots and rebellion. A time when there was not domestic tranquility was

during the Civil War.

Civil War

Chicago riot in 1968

Provide for the common defense

The national government is to protect the country from

invasion by outside forces.

Japanese Attack on Pearl HarborDecember 7, 1941

British burning Washington D.C.August 19, 1814

MS 13 gang

Army

Navy

Air Force

Marines

Coast Guard

Promote the general welfare

Conditions in the country should be such that people are able to make a

living for themselves. The

economy should be generally prosperous. The phrase does not

mean government handouts to the poor or the rich.

Schools – a state promotion of the general welfare

Hoover Dam – a national promotion of the general welfare

And secure the blessings of liberty

The government is to make sure people

have their rights. People should be able to run their lives without undue

interference from the government. The Founding Fathers would be amazed

at how large our government

has become.

Freedom of Religion

To ourselves and our posterity

The Founding Fathers were not just

thinking of their generation but of those

people living in the future like you. That’s why the Constitution is not very specific. The

Founders knew that things would change over time and they wanted the Constitution to be

adaptable.

Posterity means future generations

Do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of

America

The people are making this new Constitution for the country. This Constitution was only a

proposal. The states would

have to ratify, or approve it.

Ratifying the Constitution