The PREAMBLE Begins

The Constitution is the system of basic principles telling how our nation is supposed to be governed. The preamble acts like the introduction to the Constitution. It gives the reasons WHY the founders created this document.

So what does it say? Read the whole Preamble. 

What does it mean?

The Preamble starts with three famous words -- "We the people." 

• What kind of government did the founders create for the United States?
• The colonies had been ruled by England. What kind of government did England have at that time?

Then comes the first goal -- "In order to form a more perfect union." That brings up an important question. What was wrong with the union they already had?
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The Articles of Confederation (1776-1787) 

The first constitution of the United States was actually the Articles of Confederation. The Constitution we have now was written to replace the Articles.

Read or watch at least two of the following:

• the section in your textbook about the Articles of Confederation
• the article on History.com
• the article from the Office of the Historian
• the article from US History
• the video from Khan Academy
• the video from History
• the video from Extra History
• the video from Hip Hughes

Come up with TWO reasons why the Articles of Confederation failed.

The Rest of the Preamble

Here are the rest of the goals for the Constitution the founders created -- the Constitution we still have today:

• 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

Read or watch at least two of the following:

• the section in your textbook about the Preamble
• the document from Beacon Learning Center
• the article on Kids' Laws
• the article on Government and Constitution
• the video from Khan Academy
• the video from Mr. D's classroom
• the video from Hip Hughes​

Explain in your own words what each of those five goals means.

Your Turn!

What do you think is the most important goal listed in the Preamble? Tell me why.

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