Preamble to the Constitution

"To form a more perfect Union"

1. This means that this Constitution was meant to fix the problems of the confederacy created by the Articles of Confederation. The states were really just tolerating each other, not actually that unified. The Constitution was able to bind them more fully together, thus creating "a more perfect Union".

"Establish justice"

2. This means that the Constitution was creating a set system with rules on how the country would run. In that manner, the policy of "due process" was set. The Bill Of Rights mainly addresses how each individual can maintain justice for themselves, protecting them, under federal law, from the federal government.

"Ensure domestic tranquility"

3. This means that under the Constitution, the country will be kept peaceful. Public services like the police, fire fighters, and other emergency services will help keep the public safe and harmonious.

"Provide for the common defense"

4. This means that the nation as a whole will be kept safe from other countries. This mainly is carried out through the armed forces; essentially each branch of the military is tasked with the "common defense" of the nation. Border control can also be included here, as they maintain the borders.

"Promote the general welfare"

5. The government encourages good behavior and supports other institutions or organizations that also promote good behavior, with churches being one example. This can be aimed at encouraging civic participation and patriotism. This can also include public health initiatives, infrastructure systems, and public education.

"Secure the blessings of liberty"

6. This outlines our rights as individuals and protects them for future generations as well. This includes the right to privacy, protection from unlawful searches and seizures, and the right to life, among many others. Basically, this means that people, and their children, get the right to live a way that makes them happy, as long as it doesn't infringe on the rights of others.

The Preamble

"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."