1. Notes on the Preamble To the Constitution

2. The Declaration of Independence is the founding document of the United States.

4. The Preamble states the purpose of the Constitution.

5. We the people of the United States This phrase shows that governmental power comes from the people. It matches statements made in the Declaration of Independence

7. in order to form a more perfect union The convention was supposed to fix the flaws in the Articles of Confederation. Instead they wrote a brand new Constitution.

8. Articles of Confederation

9. Establish justice, The laws are supposed to apply equally to everyone. While this was not true in the beginning, the U.S. has made steady progress and officially everyone has equal rights.

10. Symbol of Justice

11. Insure domestic tranquility The government is to make sure there is peace within the country. Its job is to prevent anarchy, constant riots and rebellion. A time when there was not domestic tranquility was during the Civil War.

12. Civil War

13. Chicago riot in 1968

14. Provide for the common defense The national government is to protect the country from invasion by outside forces.

15. Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941

16. British burning Washington D.C. August 19, 1814

17. MS 13 gang

18. Army

19. Navy

20. Air Force

21. Marines

22. Coast Guard

23. Promote the general welfare Conditions in the country should be such that people are able to make a living for themselves. The economy should be generally prosperous. The phrase does not mean government handouts to the poor or the rich.

24. Schools – a state promotion of the general welfare

25. Hoover Dam – a national promotion of the general welfare

26. And secure the blessings of liberty The government is to make sure people have their rights. People should be able to run their lives without undue interference from the government. The Founding Fathers would be amazed at how large our government has become.

27. Freedom of Religion

28. To ourselves and our posterity The Founding Fathers were not just thinking of their generation but of those people living in the future like you. That’s why the Constitution is not very specific. The Founders knew that things would change over time and they wanted the Constitution to be adaptable.

29. Posterity means future generations

30. Do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America The people are making this new Constitution for the country. This Constitution was only a proposal. The states would have to ratify, or approve it.

31. Ratifying the Constitution