1. U.S. Constitution A Lasting Plan of Government

2. What, When, Why??? Basic law of the United States/Highest authority of the nation Written in 1787 Purpose: to provide a framework for the U.S. government

3. The Preamble The Preamble is an introduction that identifies ideas that the government stands for and states the purpose of the Constitution. –“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.”

4. Schoolhouse Rock!!! Let’s listen to the Preamble!!!

5. Goals To “form a more perfect union” –(operate as a single country) To “establish justice” –(all citizens treated fairly and equally) To “insure domestic tranquility –(keep peace among the people)

6. Goals (cont.) To “provide for the common defense” –(maintain armed forces and protection) To “promote the general welfare” –(attempt to keep people from hunger, poverty, and disease) To “secure the blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity –(guarantee rights of citizens of today and of tomorrow)

7. Articles Seven parts of the Constitution –Set forth terms of contract between government and its people