1. Purposes of the Constitution

2. Establish Legitimacy Establish the right to rule
Outlined legitimacy in the text
Legitimacy based on social contract
“We the People…”

3. Create Appropriate Structures
Committed to principles of representative democracy
Important roles for state governments
3 branches share powers of national gov’t
Division of powers between national and state governments

4. Describe and Distribute Power
Describe the powers of each government
Article I – Legislative Branch
Article II – Executive Branch
Article III – Judicial Branch

5. Limit Government Powers
Limits on powers of branches
Outlines which powers are granted to the national government and which are reserved by the states

6. Allow for Change Includes means for changing Constitution
Wanted to be sure that Constitution could change with the times
Created a difficult but not impossible means for amending the Constitution