The Preamble

Which part of the U.S. Constitution states the six purposes of government?

• Bill of Rights

• Article IV

• Preamble

• Article I

This newspaper headline describes an event in U.S. history. Which government purpose identified in the Preamble is reflected in the headline?

• ensure domestic tranquility

• promote the general welfare

• secure the blessings of liberty

• provide for the common defense

The statement below is from a historical document. How is this statement reflected in the modern American political system?

"We the People of the United States... do ordain and establish this Constitution of the United States of America. "

• Voters elect Congress members.

• The Electoral College elects Congress

• Congress enforces policies

• The president enacts policies

In the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution, what is the meaning of the phrase “We the People”?

• The people express their will through political parties.

• The people express their will by creating laws.

• Government receives taxes from the people and exists to support them.

• Government receives its power from the people and exists to serve them.

Which phrases are found in the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution?

• promote a strong economy, guarantee the pursuit of happiness, raise an army

• ensure peace, ensure that all men are equal, hold the union together

• form a more perfect union, ensure domestic tranquility, promote general welfare

• ensure domestic tranquility, protect life and liberty, protect freedom for all

Which statement explains the purpose of the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution?

• It creates a domestic policy for the federal government.

• It defines the responsibilities of the three branches of government.

• It establishes the rights and responsibilities of citizens.

• It outlines the goals of the U.S. Constitution.

According to the Preamble, what was the first goal of the U.S. Constitution?

• “to form a more perfect Union”

• “to end all disputes between States”

• “to preserve, protect, and defend the Union”

• “to satisfy the opinions of Mankind”

The passage below is from a presidential speech. Which purpose of government could be used to justify the position in the passage?

• guarantee cooperation among Americans

• improve the quality of life for Americans

• guard the freedoms of American people

• protect American citizens from threats

The document excerpt below illustrates a government action. Based on the passage, how does the action illustrated in this document demonstrate that the government depends on the people for its power?

"We the People of the United States...do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America."

• The U.S. Constitution created the Supreme Court.

• The U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom of speech.

• The U.S. Constitution created the Congress.

• The U.S. Constitution guarantees freedom of petition.

Why did the Framers require that the U.S. House of Representatives have the sole power to introduce tax bills?

• Members of the U.S. House of Representatives are directly elected by the people.

• Members of the U.S. House of Representatives are required to have legal experience.

• Elections are more frequent and expensive for the U.S. House of Representatives.

• Laws are easier to debate and pass in the U.S. House of Representatives.