The Preamble to the United States Constitution is like a big introduction that explains why the Constitution was written. It gives us a great look at what the people who created it wanted to achieve. Here’s what the Preamble says:

"We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, 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.”

What the Framers Wanted

1. Making a Better Union:

   • This means they wanted to bring the states together better. Before the Constitution, the Articles of Confederation didn’t work well because there wasn’t strong leadership.
   • Back then, the federal government couldn't collect taxes or manage trade well. This caused money problems, so the Constitution was meant to fix those issues by providing better support.

2. Creating Justice:

   • The Framers wanted to set up a fair system so everyone is treated equally by the law.
   • Fun fact: The U.S. courts deal with about 100 million cases each year, showing just how important fairness is.

3. Ensuring Peace at Home:

   • This goal shows they wanted to keep peace and avoid fighting between the states.
   • A big moment: Shays’ Rebellion in 1786-1787 showed that the federal government needed to be stronger when people got upset, which helped push for the Constitution.

4. Protecting the Nation:

   • A strong defense was important to keep the country safe from other nations. The Framers understood the need for a united military.
   • Money matters: In 2021, the U.S. spent nearly $700 billion on defense, showing we still care a lot about keeping our country secure.

5. Promoting Well-Being:

   • The Framers knew that the government should help improve the lives of its citizens. This can include many programs that help everyone.
   • For example: Programs like Social Security and Medicare help millions of people, with over 70 million benefiting from Medicare.

6. Protecting Freedom:

   • This highlights how important it is to keep freedom for both today and future generations. The Framers wanted to make sure that our rights are safe for years to come.
   • Important fact: The Constitution has been changed 27 times to adapt and protect our rights, showing that it can grow and change with society.

Conclusion

In short, the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution shows us what the Framers aimed for: unity, justice, peace, protection, well-being, and freedom. These goals are meant to make a government that listens to its people and can change when needed. The Preamble is a key part of understanding how the Constitution matters in running the United States today.