What Are the Purposes of the United States Government?
If one knew the purposes of our government, they would have a workable yardstick to measure how well our government, its employees and elected officials were doing. And they could make decisions based on what they observed.
The Constitution’s Preamble Lists Six Purposes for Our Country
The first paragraph of the Constitution is called “The Preamble.” A preamble is an introduction, especially an introduction to a constitution, law or legal document that states the purpose or intent of the document.
The purposes of the United States Constitution are eloquently stated in its Preamble. These purposes form the compass that guides our understanding as we study and apply the Constitution. These purposes are listed below, with definitions in brackets.
- To form a more perfect union [a better United States of America]
- Establish justice [behavior or treatment based on what is morally right]
- Ensure domestic tranquility [peace and calmness in our country]
- Provide for the common defense [America and Americans free from attacks]
- Promote the general welfare [prosperity and happiness for all or most people (not government handouts)]
- Secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity [all future generations].
The Preamble Is Just One Sentence
It reads in its original form:
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, 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, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
Let’s Start a Campaign Pushing These Purposes!
How well do you think our country is accomplishing these purposes? Write, email, text or tell your friends and connections what you think. Who knows, maybe we could even make things better!