Malcolm Rivera
The first 52 words of the US Constitution, also known as the Preamble, are:
> We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, 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.
The Preamble sets the stage for the Constitution, communicating the intentions of its framers and the purpose of the document. It is not a law but an introduction to the highest law of the land.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of Articles | 7 |
| First three Articles | Embodies the doctrine of the separation of powers |
| Legislative Branch | Bicameral Congress |
| Executive Branch | President and subordinate officers |
| Judicial Branch | Supreme Court and other federal courts |
| Article IV, V, VI | Embodies concepts of federalism |
| Ratification | Ratified by the 13 states |
| First Constitution | Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union |
| Date of First Constitution | Mid-June 1777 |
| Date of Ratification | 1st March 1781 |
| Date of Establishment | 17th September 1787 |
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What You'll Learn
- The first 52 words of the US Constitution are known as the Preamble
- The Preamble is an introduction to the highest law of the land
- The Preamble communicates the intentions of the framers and the purpose of the document
- The Preamble outlines the basic principles that the framers agreed upon
- The first three words of the Preamble are: We the People
The first 52 words of the US Constitution are known as the Preamble
The US Constitution, the oldest and longest-standing written and codified national constitution in the world, begins with 52 words known as the Preamble. These opening words set out the purpose and intent of the document, establishing the framework for the federal government of the United States.
The Preamble reads: "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, 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."
These words embody the ideals of democracy and the rule of law, reflecting the desire to create a strong and unified nation. The phrase "We the People" signifies the sovereignty of the people and their role in establishing a government that serves and protects their rights and freedoms.
The Preamble also highlights key principles such as justice, domestic tranquility, common defence, and the promotion of welfare. These principles guide the creation of a government that aims to protect its citizens, ensure peace, and promote the well-being of the nation.
The first 52 words of the Constitution are significant because they provide a concise statement of the purpose and core values of the United States. They represent the founding principles upon which the nation was built and continue to inspire and guide Americans in their pursuit of a more perfect union.
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The Preamble is an introduction to the highest law of the land
The Preamble to the United States Constitution, which begins with the words "We the People", serves as an introduction to the highest law of the land. It sets the tone and provides a concise overview of the principles and values upon which the Constitution is founded. The Preamble is a succinct statement that encapsulates the purpose and intent of the Constitution, which is the supreme law of the land.
The Constitution of the United States is the oldest and longest-standing written and codified national constitution in force in the world. It was drafted by a committee appointed by the Second Continental Congress in mid-June 1777 and was adopted by the full Congress in mid-November of the same year. The Articles of Confederation and Perpetual Union, which served as the first constitution of the United States, gave limited power to the central government. The current Constitution, however, establishes a federal government with three separate branches: the legislative, consisting of the bicameral Congress (Article I); the executive, consisting of the President and subordinate officers (Article II); and the judicial, consisting of the Supreme Court and other federal courts (Article III).
The Preamble, with its opening words, emphasizes the sovereignty of the people and the democratic nature of the nation. It reflects the belief that the power of governance is derived from the people and establishes the foundation for a representative democracy. By stating "We the People", the Preamble affirms that the Constitution is a social contract between the people and their government, outlining the rights and responsibilities of both parties.
Furthermore, the Preamble provides a concise summary of the purposes and goals of the Constitution. It highlights the importance of establishing a "more perfect union", ensuring domestic tranquility, providing for the common defence, promoting the general welfare, and securing the blessings of liberty for the people and future generations. These objectives guide the interpretation and application of the laws and serve as a reminder of the ideals that the nation strives to uphold.
The Preamble, as the introduction to the highest law of the land, sets the tone for the entire document and provides a framework for understanding the rights and responsibilities outlined in the Constitution. It serves as a constant reminder to the people, the government, and the courts of the principles upon which the nation was founded and the aspirations that continue to guide its governance.
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The Preamble communicates the intentions of the framers and the purpose of the document
The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States, the very first words of which are "We the People", communicates the intentions of the framers and the purpose of the document. The Preamble sets out the reasons for the creation of the Constitution and the principles that it seeks to uphold. It establishes the United States as a nation founded on the principles of liberty, justice, and democracy, with a government that derives its power from the people.
The Preamble reflects the framers' desire to establish a strong and unified nation, while also protecting the rights and liberties of its citizens. It emphasizes the importance of justice, domestic tranquility, common defence, general welfare, and securing the blessings of liberty for the American people. By stating these goals, the framers made clear their intention to create a government that would protect the rights and well-being of its citizens.
The Preamble also highlights the framers' commitment to certain fundamental values and principles. For example, the phrase "to form a more perfect Union" indicates their desire to create a strong and unified nation, improving upon the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation that preceded it. The Articles, which served as the first constitution of the United States, gave little power to the central government, and implementing most decisions required legislative approval by all 13 newly formed states. The framers sought to address these issues by establishing a more robust and effective form of government.
Additionally, the Preamble's reference to "securing the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity" underscores the importance placed on individual liberties and rights. This includes the protection of certain inalienable rights, such as freedom of speech, religion, and the right to due process, which are enshrined in the Bill of Rights and other constitutional amendments. By including this phrase, the framers made clear their intention to safeguard these liberties for current and future generations.
Overall, the Preamble serves as a critical component of the Constitution, providing insight into the intentions, values, and goals that guided the framers in drafting this foundational document. It reminds Americans of the principles upon which their nation was built and continues to serve as a guiding light for the interpretation and application of constitutional law.
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The Preamble outlines the basic principles that the framers agreed upon
The United States Constitution is the oldest and longest-standing written and codified national constitution in the world. The document begins with the words: "The Ratification of the Conventions of nine States, shall be sufficient for the Establishment of this Constitution between the States so ratifying the Same." This is followed by an outline of the basic principles agreed upon by the framers, known as the Preamble.
The Preamble to the Constitution is a concise statement of the fundamental goals and principles that the framers of the Constitution agreed upon. It sets the tone and provides a framework for understanding the rest of the document. The Preamble begins with the words: "We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, 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."
This opening statement emphasizes the idea of a unified nation, with the phrase "We the People" indicating that the Constitution is a social contract between the people of the United States. It highlights the desire to create a stronger and more cohesive union, addressing the weaknesses of the previous form of government, the Articles of Confederation, which gave limited powers to a central government. The framers recognized the need for a more effective and efficient form of governance.
The Preamble also outlines several key objectives, including the establishment of justice, ensuring domestic tranquility, providing for the common defence, and promoting the general welfare. These principles reflect the framers' intention to create a stable and secure nation, with a particular focus on the well-being and liberty of its citizens. The phrase "secure the Blessings of Liberty" underscores the importance placed on individual freedoms and rights, which would be protected and guaranteed under the new Constitution.
Additionally, the Preamble establishes the sovereignty of the people and the authority of the government derived from them. By stating that the Constitution is ordained and established by "We the People", it becomes clear that the government's power is derived from the consent of the governed. This concept is a fundamental aspect of democratic governance, where the people are the ultimate source of political power.
In conclusion, the Preamble to the Constitution serves as a critical component, encapsulating the core principles, values, and aspirations that guided the framers in drafting this foundational document. It sets the tone for the entire Constitution, providing a concise yet powerful statement of the framers' intentions and the underlying philosophy of the American system of government.
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The first three words of the Preamble are: We the People
The first three words of the Preamble to the United States Constitution are: "We the People". These three words set the tone for the entire document, which is the highest law of the land. The Preamble introduces the Constitution and communicates the intentions of its framers and the purpose of the document as a whole.
"We the People" is a powerful phrase that establishes the idea that the government is created by and for the people of the United States. It signifies that the power rests with the people, and they are the source of authority for the government. This phrase encapsulates the democratic principles upon which the nation was founded and underscores the importance of citizen participation in governance.
By starting with "We the People", the Constitution recognizes the inherent rights and agency of the citizens. It affirms that the people are the ultimate decision-makers and grants them the authority to establish a government that serves their interests and reflects their aspirations. This phrase also emphasizes the unity and collective responsibility of the citizenry in shaping the nation's future.
The phrase "We the People" has become a rallying cry for Americans, reminding them of their shared commitment to the values enshrined in the Constitution. It symbolizes the bond between the people and their government, and it underscores the idea that the government exists to protect the rights and freedoms of its citizens. These three words, therefore, form the foundation of American democracy and continue to inspire and guide the nation.
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Frequently asked questions
"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, 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."
52.
The preamble is an introduction to the Constitution, communicating the intentions of its framers and the purpose of the document.
The US Constitution was ratified on June 21, 1788.
All four pages of the original document are on permanent display at the National Archives.
