2. The Constitution at Work
1789-Present

3. Goals of the Constitution

4. Preamble to the Constitution
opening statement of the Constitution
6 goals

5. “We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish justice, ensure 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”

6. #1 “Form a More Perfect Union”
Articles of Confederation=loose alliance of independent states
E pluribus unum
Latin for “Out of many, one”
Goal: work together as single, united nation
How is this achieved?
Constitution gives broad range of powers to nat’l govt
(Ex: only Congress has power to tax all people. President carries out the laws. Federal (national) courts enforce laws)

7. #2 “Establish Justice” justice=fairness Law applied fairly to every
American, regardless of race,
gender, etc.
Issues federal courts deal with:
Cases involving the Const., natl laws, treaties, foreign ambassadors, ships at sea
Disputes between people, between people & natl govt, between states

8. #2 “Establish Justice”
When fed court decide cases they interpret, or explain, the law
Why is nat’l court necessary?
Supreme Court=highest court
Can rule that laws passed by Congress or state leg is not permitted by Const.
Confusion & injustice might result

9. #3 “Ensure Domestic Tranquility”
Shay’s Rebellion= 1786 Daniel Shays marched on MA courthouse w/protesters
Uprising showed that nat’l govt needs power to ensure peace at home=(domestic tranquility)
Const gives nat’l govt powers to allow it to keep peace
State & local govt use police, FBI used when crime crosses states
Riots? Floods?= National Guard keeps peace

10. #4 “Provide for the Common Defense”
After Amer. Rev. no armed forces=can’t kick British troops out, can’t keep Spain from closing Miss. River to trade
Armed forces vital to nation’s survival
Const. gives Congress power to “raise and support Armies” and to “provide and maintain a Navy”
Today= army, navy, air force, marine corps, coast guard
Pres is Commander in Chief of armed forces (even highest ranking military officer must answer to elected official)

11. #5 Promote the General Welfare
General welfare= well-being of all people
Nat’l govt can collect taxes, but also can set aside $ for programs to benefit people
Work=safety standards, disabled/unemployed get financial support, Social Security for retirement,
Education= prepares people to be responsible citizens, training/tools for employment, pay for nutrition programs, govt scholarships
Scientific research= research to fight diseases, improve crops & livestock

12. #6 Secure the Blessings of Liberty
Liberty=freedom to live as you please as long as you obey the laws & respect other’s rights
Blessings of liberty extended to more Americans since Const was written: ALL Americans have same rights in voting, education, housing, employment, and other opportunities.
Limit the powers of govt
Bill of Rights (1st 10 amendments) lists basic rights & freedoms
Right to vote: select leaders who make laws, remove leaders who abuse powers