Malcolm Rivera
The US Constitution's preamble sets out six goals, which are: to form a more perfect union; establish justice; ensure domestic tranquility; provide for the common defence; promote the general welfare; and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity. These goals were drafted in a 52-word paragraph over six weeks in 1787. The preamble sets out the intentions and purpose of the document, and communicates the aspirations of We the People for the government and the nation.
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What You'll Learn
Forming a more perfect union
The first goal of the six principles of the US Constitution is "to form a more perfect union". This means that the states must operate as a unified nation. This goal was included in the Constitution because, at the time, the US was vulnerable to division. The American Revolution had started the "blessings of liberty", and the Founders wanted to preserve liberty while promoting stability.
The "more perfect union" clause of the Preamble was a response to the vulnerabilities of the union. The Preamble became a way to raise awareness of the US's imperfect status. The Constitution aimed to address this by creating a federal system with a division of powers and a system of checks and balances to prevent any one branch from exerting too much power.
The federal system established by the Constitution divided power between the state and national governments. This was intended to create a balance of power, with the national government having some authority over the states but also allowing the states to have their own power and autonomy. This system of federalism was designed to prevent the abuses of power that had occurred under British rule, where the colonies had no representation in the British Parliament.
The division of powers and checks and balances system established by the Constitution was designed to prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful. The Constitution divides the duties of government among three branches: the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. Each branch has its own powers and responsibilities, and they are also given the power to change or cancel acts of another branch. This system of checks and balances helps to ensure that no branch becomes too powerful and that the government as a whole is accountable to the people.
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Establishing justice
The Constitution outlines a federal court system to administer justice and protect the rights of US citizens. This includes the power of judicial review, which allows courts to determine whether laws or government actions are constitutional. The principle of federalism also plays a role in establishing justice by balancing state and national power.
The separation of powers between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government is another important aspect of establishing justice. This separation helps to prevent any one branch from exerting too much power and ensures that government officials are accountable under the law. The system of checks and balances further limits the power of the government and allows each branch to change or cancel acts of another branch.
The Constitution also promotes the idea of popular sovereignty, which means that the government derives its authority from the people. This concept reinforces the notion that the government is accountable to the people and that everyone, including government officials, must obey the law. Overall, the goal of establishing justice in the Constitution helps to create a fair and just society where the rights and freedoms of citizens are protected.
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Insuring domestic tranquility
The phrase "insure domestic tranquility" refers to maintaining peace and order within the nation. It aims to ensure that the country is free from internal strife, unrest, and violence. This goal recognises the importance of a stable and peaceful society, where citizens can live their lives without fear or disruption caused by domestic conflicts.
One of the ways the Constitution aimed to achieve this was by addressing the concerns around standing armies as a police force. The presence of permanent armies stationed by the British during the colonial period had caused unease among the Patriots. The Second Amendment, which guarantees the right to bear arms, was seen as a way to deter the need for standing armies and provide peace of mind for the people.
Additionally, the Constitution sought to establish a federal court system to handle disputes and ensure justice. This system aimed to provide a method for resolving conflicts and disagreements without resorting to violence or unrest. It also helped to establish a unified nation, with states operating together, reducing the potential for internal conflicts between them.
By insuring domestic tranquility, the Constitution aimed to create an environment where citizens could feel safe and secure, knowing that their government was committed to maintaining peace and order within its borders.
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Providing for the common defence
The Preamble does not confer powers or rights, but the provisions that follow should be interpreted in line with the stated purposes. In this way, the Preamble exerts a gentle interpretive "push" on the direction in which a specific provision should be interpreted in a close case. For example, the phrase "provide for the common defence" does not directly grant Congress any additional powers. However, if there is ambiguity in the terms of a given power, the interpretation should be consistent with the words of the Preamble.
The power to provide for the common defence is linked to other powers granted to Congress in the Constitution. Congress has the power to lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises to fund the common defence. It can also borrow money on the credit of the United States, regulate commerce with foreign nations, and establish a uniform rule of naturalization. These powers enable the government to raise funds, manage international relations, and maintain national security, all of which contribute to providing for the common defence.
The goal of providing for the common defence reflects the framers' intention to create a strong and effective national government. The Constitution was created in response to the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, which had led to a weak national government with limited power. By providing for the common defence, the framers aimed to ensure that the new government would have the authority and resources necessary to protect the nation and its citizens from external threats.
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Promoting general welfare
The Preamble to the US Constitution outlines six goals, one of which is to "promote the general Welfare". This clause is about ensuring a high standard of living for the people, so they can enjoy the "Blessings of Liberty".
The "general Welfare" clause is about more than just economic welfare; it is about the overall well-being of the people. This includes social welfare, ensuring citizens have access to the necessary resources to lead a good life. It also includes the idea of "domestic tranquility", or peace at home, which is achieved in part through a strong but limited police force that can deter crime without infringing on liberty. This balance between liberty and security is a key theme in the Constitution, and the "general Welfare" clause is integral to this.
The "general Welfare" clause also relates to the concept of "popular sovereignty", one of the six principles of government outlined in the Constitution. Popular sovereignty means that the government's authority is derived from the people, and that the people retain ultimate political power. This is reflected in the Constitution's preamble, which begins with the words "We the People".
The "general Welfare" clause also has implications for the role of the federal government. It suggests that the federal government has a responsibility to ensure the welfare of its citizens, which may include providing certain services and benefits. This ties into the principle of federalism, which is the balance of power between state and national governments. The "general Welfare" clause gives the federal government a mandate to act in the interests of its citizens, which may include providing certain social services and benefits that promote the overall welfare of the people.
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