The Preamble “We, the People …” Originally meant… White men At least 21 years old Educated Prosperous Today it means…? men & women? race? sexual orientation? age? The preamble of the Constitution is the opening statement, or mission statement, of the government. It states in very broad terms what the U.S. stands for as a nation and what it can do. The phrase “We, the People,” has taken on a different meaning today, as compared to 1787. In 1787, not everyone had voting rights, so “people” actually mean white men who were 21 years or older, educated and prosperous. What do you think “people” means today? The idea of self government comes from… We the People 1

The Preamble, Continued “…in order to form a more perfect Union…” Better than… Great Britain’s Articles of Confederation The Constitutional monarchy in Great Britain gave Americans some ideas for good government, but the Founding Fathers were opposed to any monarchy. The Articles of Confederation were weak but nonetheless served as a starting point for the creation of the constitutional system. With the Constitution, the founders created a more liberal democracy that gave the central government more power than the Articles of Confederation did “in order to form a more perfect union.” 2

The Preamble, Continued “…establish justice…” A core democratic value Presumed innocence Fair Legal System Justice is a key value in any worthwhile political system. Justice is embodied in the U.S. court system, where innocence is presumed until the government proves otherwise beyond a reasonable doubt. 3

The Preamble, Continued “…ensure domestic tranquility…” Maintaining law and order to promote safety and stability is crucial to a good government. Keep things peaceful at home Police Homeland Security FBI Maintaining law and order to promote safety and stability is crucial to a good government. The local, county, state, and federal law enforcement officers play a vital role in ensuring domestic tranquility, or peace at home. 4

The Preamble, Continued “…provide for the common defense…” Set up U.S. Military Join together to defend against attacks Protecting and preserving what the U.S. stands for often requires citizens to sacrifice their lives for the greater good. Providing for the common defense has always been a major priority for the U.S. This part of the preamble allows for the Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, Merchant Marine, and Coast Guard to exist. 5

The Preamble, Continued “…promote the general welfare…” Help support people’s well-being Originally referred to maintaining individual and economic freedom and stability Now has a broader meaning Justification for a variety of social economic, and educational programs that help the less fortunate. James Madison stated that the “general welfare” clause was not intended to give Congress an open hand “to exercise every power which may be alleged to be necessary for the common defense or general welfare.” For that reason, the clause originally referred to maintaining individual and economic freedom and stability. Its meaning has since broadened, and Congress now uses the clause as justification for a variety of social, economic, and educational programs that help the less fortunate. 6

The Preamble, Continued “…and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity…” Keeping freedom and fighting for it Safeguarding our children’s future Posterity is defined as “future generations.” The founders committed to keeping America’s freedom not only for themselves, but also for their children and future generations. Americans may take their government for granted at times, but they generally believe they’re a part of something good and special. The unique experiment that is the Constitution was intended to remain alive and well for future generations. 7

The Preamble, Continued “…do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.” makes it official. America has a Constitution that spells out what it stands for and how its government functions. The final phrase in the preamble—“…do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America”—makes it official. America has a Constitution that spells out what it stands for and how its government functions. 8

Six Goals of the Constitution: More perfect union Establish justice Insure domestic tranquility Provide for the common defense Promote the general welfare Secure the blessing of liberty to ourselves and our posterity