1.3 | The Preamble and Declaration of Independence

What are the first three words of the U.S. Constitution?

• We the Government

• In the Beginning

• We the People

• Of the United States

What is the purpose of the Preamble to the Constitution?

• To list the laws of the United States

• To introduce the goals and purposes of the government

• To declare war against England

• To describe the powers of the President

What principle from the Declaration of Independence is echoed in the phrase “We the People”?

• Federalism

• Consent of the governed

• Separation of church and state

• Freedom of speech

Who was the main author of the Declaration of Independence?

• George Washington

• Thomas Jefferson

• James Madison

• Alexander Hamilton

Who was the primary author of the U.S. Constitution?

• James Madison

• Benjamin Franklin

• Thomas Jefferson

• John Adams

What does “form a more perfect union” mean in the Preamble?

• Create a new government for Virginia

• Establish a monarchy

• Improve the unity and function of the nation

• End the Constitution

What is meant by “insure domestic tranquility”?

• Build more homes for citizens

• Maintain peace and safety within the country

• Increase military spending

• Ban political protests

Which of the following best defines “promote the general welfare”?

• Do what is best for all citizens

• Give power to the wealthy

• Reduce taxes

• Eliminate all laws

“Secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity” means:

• Give freedom only to soldiers

• Protect rights for current and future generations

• Limit freedom of speech

• End elections

What is the relationship between the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution, according to the video?

• The Constitution replaced the Declaration

• The Declaration stated the goals; the Constitution described how to achieve them

• The Declaration was ignored by the Constitution

• They were written on the same day