The American Constitution was designed with the general idea that the people, or citizens, should govern themselves. This goal helped establish the more detailed goals that were included in the document.
Form a More Perfect Union
The Constitution wanted to unite the individual states under one government, to improve national unity lost in the Articles of Confederation. This would strengthen the country, and provide common ground for defense and finance.
Establish Justice
The Constitution wished to further equal treatment of citizens, while also building an adequate justice foundation. The constitution was written to include a system of courts to hear and protect the people's rights, as well as the national law.
Insure Domestic Tranquility
The American public was shocked by the actions of Shay's Rebellion (a uprising of farmers against the inadequate federal government), and began to believe that the federal system lacked the strength to control its internal affairs. To help amend this, the Constitution was created to include a strong federal government to establish order and "domestic tranquility."
Provide for the Common Defense
In the Articles of Confederation, the first attempt at an American constitution, the states had to agree to the creation of a federal military force. This lessened national security, so the Constitution gave the federal government initial power to create and maintain a military.
Promote the General Welfare
The Declaration of Independence stated its promotion of "life, liberty, and property." The Constitution furthered this promise by establishing patents, keeping order, and regulating commerce.
Secure the Blessings of Liberty
The authors of the Constitution knew that liberty was a central theme for the new American nation, and kept in mind how to promote this general idea. The Constitution granted basic human rights to all people, as well as their American descendants.
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Form a More Perfect Union
The Constitution wanted to unite the individual states under one government, to improve national unity lost in the Articles of Confederation. This would strengthen the country, and provide common ground for defense and finance.
Establish Justice
The Constitution wished to further equal treatment of citizens, while also building an adequate justice foundation. The constitution was written to include a system of courts to hear and protect the people's rights, as well as the national law.
Insure Domestic Tranquility
The American public was shocked by the actions of Shay's Rebellion (a uprising of farmers against the inadequate federal government), and began to believe that the federal system lacked the strength to control its internal affairs. To help amend this, the Constitution was created to include a strong federal government to establish order and "domestic tranquility."
Provide for the Common Defense
In the Articles of Confederation, the first attempt at an American constitution, the states had to agree to the creation of a federal military force. This lessened national security, so the Constitution gave the federal government initial power to create and maintain a military.
Promote the General Welfare
The Declaration of Independence stated its promotion of "life, liberty, and property." The Constitution furthered this promise by establishing patents, keeping order, and regulating commerce.
Secure the Blessings of Liberty
The authors of the Constitution knew that liberty was a central theme for the new American nation, and kept in mind how to promote this general idea. The Constitution granted basic human rights to all people, as well as their American descendants.
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