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.
Focus Questions
1. What do the following phrases in the Preamble mean: "we the people", "a more perfect union", "establish justice", "insure domestic tranquility", "provide for the common defense", "promote the general welfare", and "secure the blessings of liberty"?
2. How does the Preamble reflect the Founders' values and their goals for the future of the United States?
3. If the Preamble were to be written today, how would it be different? Would it reflect different values?