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The United States Constitution is a historic document that begins with the powerful phrase, We the People. This introductory statement, known as the Preamble, sets the tone for the rest of the Constitution and emphasizes the role of the people in establishing a just and united nation. The Preamble outlines the key objectives of the Constitution, including the desire 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 for all Americans.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Starting Phrase | "We the People of the United States" |
| Purpose | "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" |
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What You'll Learn
The US Constitution begins with We the People
The US Constitution is a powerful document that begins with the famous phrase, "We the People". This introductory statement sets the tone for the rest of the constitution, which is composed of the Preamble, seven original articles, and 27 amendments, the first 10 of which are known as the Bill of Rights. The phrase "We the People" is a testament to the democratic ideals upon which the United States was founded, and it underscores the idea that the power of the nation resides in its citizens.
By starting with "We the People", the Constitution asserts that it is the people who are sovereign and that they are the driving force behind the formation of a more perfect union. This phrase recognises the inherent rights and agency of the people in shaping their nation's future. It reflects the belief that the government's legitimacy and authority are derived from the consent and participation of the governed.
The full sentence that follows "We the People" elaborates on the intentions and aspirations of the founding document: "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". This sentence encapsulates the core principles and goals that guided the creation of the Constitution.
The Constitution's preamble, with its opening phrase, "We the People", serves as a reminder that the document is a social contract between the government and its citizens. It outlines the fundamental principles, values, and purposes that unite the states and people under a single nation. This introductory statement is followed by the seven articles, each addressing specific aspects of the federal government's structure and function.
The 27 amendments to the Constitution, including the Bill of Rights, further demonstrate the adaptability and evolution of American democracy. The process of amending the Constitution involves proposals being properly adopted and ratified, ensuring a thoughtful and deliberate approach to any changes. The first 10 amendments, or the Bill of Rights, were ratified on December 15, 1791, protecting rights such as freedom from excessive bail and cruel punishment and guaranteeing fundamental rights beyond those stated in the Constitution.
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The preamble to the main text
The United States Constitution is a legal document that outlines the framework of the US federal government and the rights and responsibilities of its citizens. The Constitution begins with the famous phrase, "We the People," which is part of the Preamble to the main text.
The Preamble sets the tone and provides an overview of the purpose and objectives of the Constitution. It reads as follows:
"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 introductory statement emphasizes the idea that the power of the government derives from the people and that the Constitution is established to create a better nation. It highlights key goals such as establishing justice, ensuring peace and stability within the nation, providing for the common defence, promoting the welfare of the people, and securing individual liberties for present and future generations.
The Preamble reflects the ideals and principles that guided the founding fathers during the creation of the Constitution. It emphasizes the importance of unity, justice, and the well-being of the American people. By starting with "We the People," the Constitution makes it clear that the government is intended to serve the people and protect their rights.
Following the Preamble are seven articles that outline the structure and powers of the federal government, including the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The Constitution has also been amended multiple times, with the first 10 amendments collectively known as the Bill of Rights, protecting various civil liberties and guarding against governmental abuse of power.
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The Bill of Rights
The United States Constitution famously begins with the words "We the People". The first ten amendments to the Constitution are collectively known as the Bill of Rights. These amendments were ratified on December 15, 1791, and constitute an important part of the supreme law of the United States of America.
The Eighth Amendment, for example, protects citizens from excessive bail or fines and from cruel and unusual punishment. Over time, this provision has been interpreted more broadly to challenge prison conditions that are deemed inhumane or that fail to protect inmates' wellbeing. The Ninth Amendment further emphasizes the existence of fundamental rights beyond those explicitly mentioned in the Constitution.
The process of amending the Constitution is outlined in Article Five. To propose an amendment, a two-thirds majority vote is required in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, or a national convention can be called by two-thirds of state legislatures. Once a proposal is passed, Congress decides on the ratification method—either through state legislatures or state ratifying conventions. An amendment becomes operative once it is ratified by three-fourths of the states (38 out of 50).
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The 27 amendments
The Constitution of the United States, the country's foundational document, begins with the famous phrase: "We the People." This introductory phrase sets the tone for a constitution that is of the people, by the people, and for the people. It emphasizes the democratic nature of the document and the nation it governs. The Constitution goes on to outline the rights and responsibilities of the government and the citizens, with a focus on creating a fair and just society.
Now, regarding the 27 amendments to the Constitution:
The first ten amendments, collectively known as the Bill of Rights, were adopted in 1791 and focus on protecting individual freedoms and reserving powers to the states and the people. These amendments guarantee a range of civil liberties, including freedom of speech, religion, assembly, and the right to bear arms. They also protect against unreasonable searches and seizures and guarantee due process and speedy trial rights for those accused of crimes.
Subsequent amendments address a wide range of issues. For example, the 12th Amendment, ratified in 1804, clarified the process for electing the President and Vice President. The 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments, adopted following the Civil War, abolished slavery, granted citizenship and equal protection under the law to all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and guaranteed the right to vote regardless of race, color, or previous condition of servitude, respectively.
More recent amendments include the 19th Amendment, which guaranteed women's right to vote (ratified in 1920), and the 26th Amendment, which lowered the voting age to 18 for all elections (ratified in 1971). The 27th and most recently added amendment addresses compensation for members of Congress, stating that any change in salary for representatives and senators will only take effect following the next election.
The process of amending the Constitution ensures that it remains a living document, capable of adapting to the changing needs and values of American society. Each amendment represents a significant milestone in the nation's history and contributes to the foundation of rights and principles upon which the country is built.
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The supreme law of the United States
The Constitution of the United States is the supreme law of the United States of America. It superseded the Articles of Confederation, the nation's first constitution, on March 4, 1789. The Constitution is composed of a preamble, seven articles, and 27 amendments. The first 10 amendments are known as the Bill of Rights.
The Constitution begins with the words "We the People of the United States". This phrase is followed by a statement of the purposes for which the Constitution is established, including 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".
The Constitution's seven articles delineate the frame of the federal government. The first three articles embody the doctrine of the separation of powers, dividing the federal government into three 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).
Articles IV, V, and VI embody concepts of federalism, describing the rights and responsibilities of state governments, the relationship between the states and the federal government, and the shared process for admitting new states into the Union. Article V also sets forth the procedure for amending the Constitution. To date, there have been 27 amendments to the Constitution, with the first 10 ratified in 1791.
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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".
Starting the Constitution with "We the People" emphasizes that the power of the union resides in its citizens and that the document is established by and for the people.
"We the People" sets the tone for a democratic form of government, where the people are sovereign and the source of political power.
No. The phrase has been interpreted in various ways over time, and there are ongoing debates and discussions about its meaning and significance.
