Citizenship and the Constitution 9.1 Understanding the Constitution.
The Constitution and the Goals of the U.S. Government.
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Transcript of The Constitution and the Goals of the U.S. Government.
Purposes of a Constitution
• Establishes a set of common beliefs;• Framework for Government
– A constitution serves as a blueprint for how the government will function;
– Procedures for amending;– Articles/Sections/Clauses
• Serves as the supreme law of the land.
A constitution is the people’s social contract with the government!!
Written Constitutions
• Everyone knows what the law is and what is expected of the government;– Serves as a point of reference during times of
controversy;• Serves as a reminder of our common ideals
and goals during trying times;• More difficult to change.
A Statement of Purpose
• Preamble - An introductory paragraph that states the major goals of the government.
– Both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution have preambles.
What are the goals of the U.S. Government?
• Turn to The Declaration of Independence on pg. 771:– According to the Declaration of Independence,
what is the purpose of government? Why are governments created?
– Where does the government get its power?– What happens if the government fails to protect
the people’s rights?
What are the goals of the U.S. Government?
• Now, turn to the U.S. Constitution on pg. 775, and read the Preamble:– What is the significance of the phrase, “We,
the people?”– What are the major goals of our government
according to the Preamble?• Rewrite each goal in your own words.