Constitutions and the
Purpose of Government
Think About It!!
What is the purpose of a constitution?
Purposes of a Constitution
• Establishes a set of common beliefs;
• Framework for Government
– A constitution serves as a blueprint for how the
government will function;
– Procedures for amending;
– Articles/Sections/Clauses
• Serves as the supreme law of the land.
A constitution is the people’s social contract with
the government!!
Think About It!!
What are the benefits of having a
written constitution?
Written Constitutions
• Everyone knows what the law is and what is
expected of the government;
– Serves as a point of reference during times of
controversy;
• Serves as a reminder of our common ideals
and goals during trying times;
• More difficult to change.
A Statement of Purpose
• Preamble - An introductory paragraph that
states the major goals of the government.
– Both the Declaration of Independence and the
U.S. Constitution have preambles.
What are the goals of the U.S.
Government?
• Turn to The Declaration of Independence
on pg. 771:
– According to the Declaration of Independence,
what is the purpose of government? Why are
governments created?
– Where does the government get its power?
– What happens if the government fails to protect
the people’s rights?
What are the goals of the
U.S. Government?
• Now, turn to the U.S. Constitution on pg.
775, and read the Preamble:
– What is the significance of the phrase, “We,
the people?”
– What are the major goals of our government
according to the Preamble?
• Rewrite each goal in your own words.
Putting it All Together…
How is the purpose of government, as stated
in the Declaration of Independence,
reflected in the Preamble of the
Constitution?