1. Purposes of governments
A quick review and an
introduction to the Preamble

2. James Madison, the “father” of the constitution
“If men were angels, no government would be necessary.”

3. According to our textbook, what are the purposes of government?
Hint: protection, maintenance of ____________________,
resolution of ____________________, the responsibility for a ____________________, and the ____________________.
Protection (sovereignty)
Maintenance of Public Order
= internal protection (i.e. police, National Guard, and FBI)
Resolution of Social Conflicts
= resolving differences of opinions (i.e. laws, courts, and elections)
Responsibility of a Stable Economy
Provision of Public Services
Can you name any, specifically?

4. The U.S. Constitution
The Preamble (Introduction) is a vision statement of what we want our government to do.

5. Preamble to the Unites States Constitution, 1787
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.
*this is the British spelling. American spelling is “defense”.
52 words! 1 2 3 4 5 6

6. Divide into your groups again
GrOUP ACTivity: Part I
Divide into your groups again
Each person/pair group chooses one phrase
Task: Brainstorm/list the meaning of the words from your phrase.
Look up the words you don’t know and translate the phrase into everyday language (using the skill of paraphrasing)

7. Example: “We the people”
What do these words mean?
How did this phrase apply to society at the time?
Might the U.S. be any closer to this goal today?

8. GrOUP ACTivity: Part II
Once each person/pair understands their phrase, they may begin transferring information to a piece of paper
This can be done via words or images
Consider orientation of paper for maximum effectiveness
WARNING: Fill the paper, use colors, write large enough for others to see and/or read!

9. GrOUP ACTivity: Part III
Put each of the larger group’s pieces together into 1 larger “quilt”
Be ready to turn in/display around the classroom

10. Questions for discussion – Next Day
What is your understanding of your phrase?
How did your understanding compare/contrast from the original?
What would the Founders think of your translation of the text?
Why might this matter in today’s world?