Civics Review: The Preamble to the Constitution

What is the primary purpose of the Preamble in the U.S. Constitution?

• To define the rights of citizens

• To introduce the Constitution and outline its goals

• To list the amendments

• To describe the legislative process

Which phrase in the Preamble emphasizes the concept of popular sovereignty?

• Provide for the common defense

• Ensure domestic tranquility

• We the People

• Establish justice

What does 'popular sovereignty' mean?

• The judiciary interprets the laws

• The president is the supreme leader

• The authority of the government comes from the people

• The government has absolute power

What historical document did the new Constitution aim to improve upon?

• The Federalist Papers

• The Articles of Confederation

• The Bill of Rights

• The Declaration of Independence

What was a major weakness of the Articles of Confederation?

• It had no legislative branch

• It had no judicial branch

• It had no executive branch

• It had no military

What does the goal 'establish justice' in the Preamble refer to?

• Creating an executive branch

• Creating a military

• Creating a judicial branch

• Creating a legislative branch

What does 'domestic tranquility' mean in the context of the Preamble?

• Peace with other nations

• Peace within the country

• Environmental protection

• Economic stability

Why was there no president under the Articles of Confederation?

• The legislative branch did not exist

• The judicial branch did not exist

• The executive branch did not exist

• The military did not exist

What does 'provide for the common defense' mean?

• Establishing a police force

• Creating a military to protect the people

• Ensuring economic stability

• Building infrastructure

Why was the military poorly funded under the Articles of Confederation?

• Inability to collect taxes

• Lack of support from the people

• Poor leadership

• No need for a military