The Preamble What is it exactly?

Definition an introductory statement; stating the reasons and intent of what follows. www.dictionary.reference.com

The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution 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.

Huh? Raise your hand if you understand what the Preamble means? anyone?…. anyone? Bueller? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxPVyieptw A This is what you look like and how I feel!!!

Let’s break it down I have divided the Preamble into 8 parts. You will fill out the chart in front of you with the exact words from the preamble and what they mean in a way that you can understand. Let’s get to work!

Part 1 Actual Text Easier Version We the people of the United States all citizens of the U.S.

Part 2 Actual Text In order to form a more perfect Union Easier Version to make everything in our country as perfect as possible

Part 3 Actual Text Establish Justice Easier Version begin fairness for all

Part 4 Actual Text Ensure domestic tranquility Easier Version promise that everything in our country will be peaceful

Part 5 Actual Text Provide the common defense Easier Version give protection to everyone

Part 6 Actual Text Promote the general welfare Easier Version care for those in need

Part 7 Actual Text Secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our prosperity Easier Version Make sure freedom and fairness continues for ourselves and all our children and their children and their children and every generation to come

Part 8 Actual Text Do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America Easier Version approve of and begin the constitution of the U.S.

Right and/or Responsibility For each statement that you believe is a right (something all people should be given and is protected) OR responsibility (something all people have to do) write the word YES in the first column. HINT, you will have 5 boxes with the word YES.

Schoolhouse Rocks http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30OyU4O80i4

Part II. Please write the following questions and your answers on the back of this worksheet. Make sure you answer in complete sentences. 1. What are some of the things that the founding fathers (those who wrote the Constitution) tried to guarantee in the Constitution? 2. The United States is over 200 years old. If it were being written today, what ideals (values/beliefs) do you think we would tried to promote? 3. Why is the Preamble called the introduction to the Constitution?

Any Questions Review: What did we learn? Information obtained from www.beaconlearningcenter.com/documents