What is it exactly?

The Preamble

Definitionan introductory statement; stating the

reasons and intent of what follows.

www.dictionary.reference.com

The Preamble to the U.S. 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 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.

Huh?Raise your hand if you understand what the

Preamble means?

anyone?…. anyone? Bueller? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dxPVyieptwA

This is what you look like and how I feel!!!

Let’s break it downI have divided the Preamble into 8 parts.

You will fill out the chart in front of you with the exact words from the preamble and what they mean in a way that you can understand.

Let’s get to work!

Part 1

Actual Text

We the people of the United States

Easier Version

all citizens of the U.S.

Part 2

Actual Text

In order to form a more perfect Union

Easier Version

to make everything in our country as perfect as possible

Part 3

Actual Text

Establish Justice

Easier Version

begin fairness for all

Part 4

Actual Text

Ensure domestic tranquility

Easier Version

promise that everything in our country will be peaceful

Part 5

Actual Text

Provide the common defense

Easier Version

give protection to everyone

Part 6

Actual Text

Promote the general welfare

Easier Version

care for those in need

Part 7

Actual Text

Secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our prosperity

Easier Version

Make sure freedom and fairness continues for ourselves and all our children and their children and their children and every generation to come

Part 8

Actual Text

Do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America

Easier Version

approve of and begin the constitution of the U.S.

Right and/or ResponsibilityFor each statement that you believe is a

right (something all people should be given and is protected)

OR responsibility (something all people have to do) write the word YES in the first column. HINT, you will have 5 boxes with the word YES.

Schoolhouse Rockshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30OyU4

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Part II.Please write the following questions and your

answers on the back of this worksheet. Make sure you answer in complete sentences.

1. What are some of the things that the founding fathers (those who wrote the Constitution) tried to guarantee in the Constitution?

2. The United States is over 200 years old. If it were being written today, what ideals (values/beliefs) do you think we would tried to promote?

3. Why is the Preamble called the introduction to the Constitution?

Any Questions

Review: What did we learn?

Information obtained from www.beaconlearningcenter.com/documents