Omar Bennett
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. These famous words, penned by Gouverneur Morris, a delegate from Pennsylvania, comprise the preamble to the United States Constitution. The phrase to form a more perfect union has been interpreted in various ways, but it generally refers to the shift from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution, implying that the progress of the American experiment is never complete.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preamble to the U.S. Constitution | We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union |
| Aspirations | To 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 |
| Action | Do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America |
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What You'll Learn
The shift from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution
The Articles of Confederation, the United States' first constitution, was adopted by the Continental Congress on November 15, 1777, and was in force from March 1, 1781, until 1789. The document established a league of friendship for the 13 independent states, with each state retaining sovereignty and having one vote in Congress.
However, the Articles of Confederation had several limitations. The central government had insufficient power to regulate commerce, levy taxes, or formulate foreign policy. It was generally impotent in setting commercial policy and was unable to effectively support a war effort. The government's weaknesses became apparent, especially after Shays's Rebellion in 1786, which highlighted the federal government's inability to address internal rebellions due to a lack of funds and military power.
In addition, the 1783 Treaty of Paris, which ended hostilities with Great Britain, languished in Congress for several months due to a lack of quorum for ratification. The 1786 Jay-Gardoqui Treaty with Spain also demonstrated the Confederation's weakness in foreign policy, as it would have given up rights to use the Mississippi River for 25 years, negatively impacting settlers west of the Appalachian Mountains.
As a result of these limitations, there were growing calls for a stronger central government. In May 1787, the Constitutional Convention assembled in Philadelphia to revise the Articles of Confederation. The delegates quickly realized that the defects in the government could not be remedied by altering the Articles, and so they authored a new constitution. This new constitution, adopted in 1789, established a separation of powers with three branches of government: the executive, legislative, and judicial. It also gave the federal government more power over money, taxes, and interstate commerce.
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The continual process of improvement of the country
The use of the word "more" before "perfect" acknowledges that the process is ongoing and that there is always room for growth and progress. This idea is reflected in the efforts of lawmakers and politicians who work towards enhancing various aspects of American life, such as healthcare, economic conditions, and social justice. For example, Congressman John Garamendi's work on healthcare reform in California, which inspired President Bill Clinton's healthcare reform proposal, exemplifies this commitment to continuous improvement.
The establishment of justice, insurance of domestic tranquility, provision of common defence, promotion of general welfare, and securing of liberty are all part of this process. These ideals, outlined in the Constitution, serve as a guide for policymakers to strive towards a more perfect union.
Additionally, the creation of a government that values both majority rule and the protection of minority rights through mechanisms like the filibuster demonstrates the ongoing pursuit of a more perfect union. This deliberative process of amendment and debate ensures that important policy changes are thoroughly considered, and the rights of all Americans are protected.
The continual process of improvement also extends to the protection of individual rights and freedoms. The Declaration of Independence guarantees Americans' access to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." However, as Congressman Garamendi points out, this ideal is not always realised, especially when economic conditions deny individuals access to necessary healthcare. Therefore, the ongoing work towards ensuring justice and promoting the general welfare is a critical aspect of striving for a more perfect union.
In conclusion, the phrase "in order to form a perfect union" encapsulates the understanding that the improvement of the country is a never-ending endeavour. It requires the collective efforts of lawmakers, policymakers, and citizens to address the diverse needs and aspirations of all Americans, ensuring that the union becomes "more perfect" with each generation.
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The federal government's power to act directly on citizens
The US Constitution was established with the goal of "form [ing] a more perfect union" and empowering the federal government to act directly on its citizens. The Tenth Amendment, ratified in 1791, clarifies that any powers not specifically granted to the federal government are reserved for the states or the people. This amendment underscores the limited and enumerated nature of federal power, with the understanding that the federal government cannot infringe on citizens' liberties.
The Reconstruction Amendments, including the Thirteenth, Fourteenth, and Fifteenth Amendments, played a significant role in expanding the federal government's power to protect citizens' rights. The Fourteenth Amendment, in particular, prevents states from violating the fundamental rights of their citizens, including life, liberty, and property without due process, as well as equal protection. This amendment enhanced federal constraints on state governments and empowered Congress to enforce these constraints.
The Supreme Court has also played a pivotal role in interpreting and enforcing citizens' rights. For example, in Cooper v. Aaron (1958), the Court upheld the desegregation of schools, ensuring racial equality in public education. However, in United States v. Alfonso D. Lopez, Jr. (1995), the Court ruled against federal laws establishing "gun-free zones" on school campuses, citing a lack of constitutional authorization. These cases illustrate the delicate balance between federal power and states' rights.
Additionally, the federal government has the power to regulate activities that substantially affect interstate commerce. This power was demonstrated in the case of Darby, where the Court upheld the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and its impact on interstate commerce, despite arguments from states about their ability to regulate wages and hours.
In conclusion, the federal government's power to act directly on citizens is shaped by the US Constitution, amendments, and judicial interpretations. While the Tenth Amendment reserves powers for the states and people, the Reconstruction Amendments expanded federal authority to protect citizens' rights. The Supreme Court also plays a crucial role in interpreting and enforcing these rights, ensuring that the federal government acts within its constitutional boundaries while also addressing issues that substantially affect interstate commerce.
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The importance of compromise and institutional norms
The phrase "in order to form a perfect union" is part of the preamble to the U.S. Constitution, which 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."
This phrase recognises that the definition of perfection varies and is relative, and thus, the union is always a work in progress. It implies a continuous effort to improve the state of the union, knowing that perfection is unattainable. This is reflected in the work of Congress, which strives to pass legislation that moves the country towards a more perfect union, such as healthcare reform, which improves access to insurance, Medicare, and affordable coverage for many Americans.
Compromise and institutional norms are essential to forming a more perfect union. The country's founders understood that compromise is necessary to balance different interests and ideals. They established a system of checks and balances, with separation of powers, two chambers of Congress, and the Bill of Rights, to encourage deliberation and protect the rights of the minority. The filibuster, for example, was created to ensure that one party did not have unilateral rule and to force debate on important policy changes, thus giving voice to the minority and slowing down the legislative process.
Institutional norms, such as the filibuster, are important to protect the integrity of the democratic process and prevent lasting damage to institutions. They ensure that the legislative process is deliberative and that the majority's actions are considered in terms of their impact on the minority. By upholding these norms, the country moves towards a more perfect union, where the rights and interests of all Americans are considered and protected.
In conclusion, the phrase "in order to form a perfect union" recognises the ongoing pursuit of a more ideal state of the American union. Compromise and institutional norms are critical tools in this pursuit, as they facilitate deliberation, protect minority rights, and ensure that the country's institutions function as intended. Through these mechanisms, the country strives to form a more perfect union that upholds justice, domestic tranquility, common defence, general welfare, and liberty for all its citizens.
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The establishment of justice and domestic tranquility
The phrase "in order to form a perfect union" is part of the preamble to the U.S. Constitution, which 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."
Establishing justice involves ensuring fairness and equity under the law for all individuals. This includes access to healthcare, as highlighted by Congressman John Garamendi, who argued that true justice is not achieved when individuals lack access to necessary healthcare due to personal or economic conditions. The Declaration of Independence promises Americans the right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness," but this is compromised when people are unable to access healthcare, leading to devastating consequences for them and their families.
Insuring domestic tranquility involves creating a peaceful and stable environment within the nation. This includes addressing social issues, such as healthcare, as mentioned earlier, and promoting the general welfare of the people. It also entails fostering a sense of unity and harmony among the diverse groups that make up the country, encouraging civil discourse, and resolving conflicts through democratic means.
The preamble's reference to "a more perfect Union" acknowledges that the pursuit of perfection is a continuous journey. It recognises that while the Union may never be truly perfect, there is always room for improvement. This phrase serves as a reminder that the work of establishing justice and domestic tranquility is never finished and that each generation must continue striving to create a better and more just society.
In conclusion, the establishment of justice and domestic tranquility are crucial aspects of forming a perfect union as envisioned in the U.S. Constitution. It requires ensuring fairness and equity under the law, providing for the welfare of the people, and fostering a peaceful and stable environment where all individuals can pursue their rights to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."
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Frequently asked questions
"In order to form a perfect union" is a phrase from the Preamble to the United States Constitution, which refers to the shift from the Articles of Confederation to the Constitution. It implies that the progress of the American experience is never complete.
The contemporaneous meaning of the word "perfect" was complete, finished, fully informed, confident, or certain. The writers had no illusions that the document was perfect, which is why a mechanism for amending it was built in.
Shortly after the Civil War and the ratification of the Fourteenth Amendment, the Supreme Court said that the "Union" was made "more perfect" by the creation of a federal government with enough power to act directly on citizens. In the 21st century, the phrase has also come to mean the continual process of improving the country.
