Preamble of the 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 the
Constitution of the
United States.
Questions:
1. According to the first few words of this
Preamble, who established this
Constitution?
2. The authors say they want to “form a
more perfect union,” what does that
suggest about past governments they
had?
3. The Preamble’s second goal is to
“Establish Justice.” How does that term
differ from a similar term like “fairness”?
4.
5.
In 1786, a year before the Constitution was
written, was Shay’s Rebellion. The framers may
have had Shays Rebellion in mind when they
used the phrase, “To Insure Domestic
Tranquility.” If that is so, how did Shay’s
Rebellion influence the framers thoughts on this
idea?
The previous purpose was to insure domestic
tranquility but then the very next purpose has to
do with common defense. Why did the framers
feel the need to include BOTH as purposes of the
new government?
6. The Constitution promises to promote the
General Welfare. Does this mean that
people should be better off or worse off
because of the Constitution? Explain.
7. Who are the “Blessings of Liberty” for?
If the Constitution is to be a living
document, why is this important in a
Constitution?
8. Why do you think the framers used the
present tense of the verb “do” in the
phrase “do ordain and establish” rather
than “did”? What difference does it
make? (Think about questions #7)
What are the 6 purposes of government
listed in the preamble? List the purpose
& describe what it means
(Hint: Pay attention to commas )
Write small, please!! Trust me!!
1.
Write your answers to the questions
from the front below (or on your own
paper):
1.
2.
2.
3.
3.
4.
5.
4.
6.
5.
7.
8.
6.