
The six purposes for creating the US Constitution, as set forth in the Preamble, are: To form a more perfect union, to establish justice, to ensure domestic tranquility, to provide for the common defence, to promote the general welfare, and to secure the blessings of liberty. These purposes were articulated by the Founding Fathers during the Constitutional Convention in 1787 and serve as a guiding philosophy for the governance of the United States.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Form a more perfect union | Promote harmony and agreement among the states |
| Establish justice | Create a system of laws and courts that are fair and impartial |
| Insure domestic tranquility | Ensure peace and order within the country |
| Provide for the common defense | Protect the nation from foreign threats |
| Promote the general welfare | Ensure citizens have the opportunity for prosperity and success |
| Secure the blessings of liberty | Guard the freedom and civil rights of citizens |
Explore related products
$19.95 $19.95
What You'll Learn

To form a more perfect union
The first of the six purposes for creating the US Constitution, as set forth in the Preamble, is "to form a more perfect union". This purpose emphasises the goal of uniting the individual states into a single cohesive nation, promoting harmony and agreement among the states, and fostering cooperation between them.
The Founding Fathers articulated these purposes during the Constitutional Convention in 1787, and they serve as a guiding philosophy for the governance of the United States. The Preamble to the Constitution outlines these core functions of government and provides an insight into the country's constitution and the intentions of its framers.
The phrase "to form a more perfect union" signifies the importance of creating a stronger, more unified nation by bringing together the individual states under a single cooperative system. This union is intended to function as a cohesive whole, with the states working together towards common goals and supporting each other in maintaining peace and stability within their borders.
The formation of a more perfect union also implies a commitment to resolving conflicts and ensuring the safety and well-being of all citizens within the nation. It reflects a desire to establish a nation where citizens can thrive and prosper, with access to fair and equitable opportunities, rights, and protections under the law.
Pennsylvania and Constitution: What's the Difference?
You may want to see also

To establish justice
The United States Constitution was created with the purpose of establishing justice. This means creating a system of laws and courts that are fair and impartial, ensuring that all citizens have access to a fair legal process and know what is right and wrong. This includes upholding laws fairly and ensuring that citizens' rights are protected.
The Founding Fathers, during the Constitutional Convention in 1787, articulated the purpose of establishing justice, which is reflected in the creation of a court system that interprets laws impartially and equitably. This is further reinforced by federal judges, who emphasise the key role of applying laws fairly to everyone.
The establishment of justice is a guiding philosophy for the governance of the United States, aiming to foster a sense of fairness and accountability and protect the rights of individuals. It is one of the foundational principles outlined in the Preamble to the Constitution, which serves as an introduction to the highest law of the land.
The Preamble's statement of establishing justice sets the tone for the Constitution, communicating the intentions of its framers and providing insight into the underlying philosophy of the document. It highlights the importance of fairness and equality under the law, which is a core value of the American legal system and a fundamental right of its citizens.
The Constitution: A Living, Breathing Document
You may want to see also

To ensure domestic tranquility
The third of the six purposes for creating the US Constitution, as set out in the Preamble, is to "insure domestic tranquility". This means that the government must maintain peace within the country, preventing internal conflicts and civil unrest, and ensuring the safety of its citizens.
The Founding Fathers, during the Constitutional Convention in 1787, set out these six purposes as a guiding philosophy for the governance of the United States. The Preamble, which contains these six purposes, is an introduction to the highest law of the land, though it is not a law itself. It does not define government powers or individual rights, but it does communicate the intentions of its framers and the purpose of the document.
The "insure domestic tranquility" purpose of the Preamble is reflected in the presence of military forces within the country, which helps to ensure that the nation is protected from external threats and is defence-ready. This also ensures that peace and order are maintained within the country.
The Constitution's aim to "insure domestic tranquility" is a critical component of the nation's foundation, working in tandem with the other purposes outlined in the Preamble to create a cohesive and cooperative nation that promotes the welfare and freedom of its citizens.
Workplace Hazards: Defining Dangerous Occurrences
You may want to see also
Explore related products
$7.99 $19.95
$48.54 $54.99

To provide for the common defence
The fourth purpose for creating the US Constitution, as stated in the preamble, is "to provide for the common defence". This means that the government has a duty to protect the nation from external threats and ensure defence readiness against potential invasions or attacks. The presence of military forces helps to fulfil this purpose.
The concept of "common defence" implies a unified effort to safeguard the nation as a whole, rather than individual states or regions. By including this in the Constitution, the Founding Fathers recognised the importance of a strong and coordinated defence strategy. This aspect of the Constitution aims to foster a sense of unity and collective security across the nation.
The "provide for the common defence" clause empowers the federal government to take necessary actions to protect the country. This includes establishing and maintaining a military force, developing defence strategies, and responding to external threats. It grants the government the authority to make decisions and allocate resources to ensure the nation's defence and security.
The Founding Fathers, during the Constitutional Convention in 1787, articulated these six purposes, which serve as guiding principles for US governance. The preamble, or introductory section, of the Constitution outlines these core functions, providing insight into the intentions and philosophy behind the document.
Senator Terms: Understanding Constitutional Limits
You may want to see also

To promote the general welfare
The US Constitution's Preamble outlines six purposes for creating the government, with the fifth being 'to promote the general welfare'. This means that the government should work to promote the well-being of its citizens, ensuring they have the opportunity for prosperity and success. This can be achieved through social programs that support education and healthcare, as well as social safety nets that help citizens in need. These welfare initiatives support citizens in their pursuit of prosperity and success, while also fostering harmony and agreement among the states.
The Founding Fathers articulated these purposes during the Constitutional Convention in 1787, and they serve as a guiding philosophy for the governance of the United States. The Preamble, which means 'preface', provides an insight into the core functions of the government and sets the foundations for the Constitution. It clearly communicates the intentions of its framers and the purpose of the document, acting as an introduction to the highest law of the land.
The promotion of general welfare is closely tied to the other purposes outlined in the Preamble, such as establishing justice, ensuring domestic tranquility, and providing for the common defence. Together, these aims highlight the goals of unity, justice, peace, protection, welfare, and freedom. They serve as foundational principles for American governance, guiding legislative and executive functions.
The historical context of the time, with the Founding Fathers drawing on their personal relationships, also influenced the inclusion of these specific purposes in the Constitution. The Constitution was created to unite the individual states into a single, cooperative nation, fostering harmony and ensuring the protection and welfare of its citizens. These principles continue to shape the interpretation and application of the Constitution in modern times.
Citing Constitutions: In-Text Style Guide
You may want to see also

























