The Preamble: We the People

Mission Brief #3

🎯 Your mission

Decide what YOU would do in their shoes.

⚡ The twist

A 'fair rule' for one group can be unfair for another.

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The Preamble of the Constitution begins with the powerful words 'We the People,' emphasizing that the government's authority comes from the citizens. This introduction outlines the purposes of the Constitution, such as promoting justice, ensuring domestic tranquility, and securing the blessings of liberty.

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By starting with 'We the People,' the framers highlighted the importance of popular sovereignty, meaning that the government is accountable to the people it serves.

Key facts

Remember these

1The Preamble introduces the Constitution and its purposes.
2It begins with the phrase 'We the People.'
3The concept of popular sovereignty means the government derives its power from the people.

Timeline

When it happened

1787
August: An early draft begins 'We the people of the States of New Hampshire...'
1787
September: Gouverneur Morris rewrites it as 'We the People of the United States'
1787
September 17: The Constitution is signed

Then & Now

🏛️ Knowing this makes you a better voter when you grow up.

Mind = blown

Without its amendments, the U.S. Constitution is only about 4,500 words long.

Question 1 of 2

What phrase begins the Preamble of the Constitution?

How sure?😐 maybe

Question 2 of 2

What does 'popular sovereignty' mean?

How sure?😐 maybe

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🌍 Why this still matters: Your school has rules. Where do they come from? Who decides them?

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👨‍👩‍👧 At dinner: “What's one rule at our house you'd change if you could vote on it?”

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