Preamble
The original Constitution contained seven articles. There have been
twenty-seven changes or additions those seven articles. The changes are
called amendments. The very first paragraph that precedes the actual
text of the Constitution is called the Preamble. In it the men who wrote the Constitution summarize the
reasons why it was written. We might better call it a statement of purpose.
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.
All the people in our country.
To come together and make things better for
everyone who lives in our country.
To make things fair and honest for everyone. We
want a better, more efficient system of government
than was possible under the Articles of
Confederation.
To make sure we can all have a nice life and get along
with one another, that everyone is treated fairly
under the laws.
To protect us from other people or countries who
might try to harm us, as in a war, and to help us if we
have been harmed.
To help make life good for everybody. Having enough
to eat, a place to live, being safe, and having friends
and fun times are some of the things that make our
lives great.
To protect our rights and freedoms and not let
anyone take them away. Being able to choose our
religion, to say what we think, and to get together
with friends, family, and other people are some of the
freedoms we have.
For all of us today and all of the people born in our
country after we are. To ensure that our children and
our children’s children have those same freedoms.
To write down, and then to live by, a list of rules and
promises for our government to keep, and our people
to obey.
Our country!
1.
In your own words, summarize the reasons why the Constitution was written.
2.
Is there anything you would add to the Preamble? If so, what? If not, explain why.