The U.S. Constitution begins with a famous introduction known as the preamble. It establishes the basic goals of the government. Read the preamble below.
The U.S. Constitution begins with a famous introduction known as the preamble. It establishes the basic goals of the government. Read the preamble below.
"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."
→ Reflection: What is the significance of "We the People" at the beginning of the Constitution? What are the goals of the Constitution?
Interactive popup. Assistance may be required. "We the people" means that the government is formed by the general public, not a king. The people give it power. The goals of the U.S. Constitution are to create a society based on justice, peace, safety, and freedom for everyone.
Since 1787, "We the People" have shaped American society governing through the system set up by the U.S. Constitution. "The People" have included famous leaders like Abraham Lincoln and Martin Luther King Jr., famous entertainers like Louis Armstrong and Elvis Presley, and soon it will include you and your classmates.
The idea that "We the People" rule the United States, otherwise known as popular sovereignty, is just one of seven core principles of the U.S. Constitution. The other six are limited government, republicanism, individual rights, separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism. In this lesson, you will explore these principles in detail.
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