Our Federal Government

The preamble of the US Constitution gives us the purpose for establishing our representative form of government. It is short but it covers a lot of concepts by which we are governed. I have been thinking about each of these reasons for our federal government.

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

Justice:

First on the list is justice and I read that equal justice for all people in this country. We may have a trial by a jury of our peers and when accused the arresting authority must inform us of our rights. This includes the right to an attorney provided by the state if we can not afford one.

Domestic Tranquility:

The federal government is charged with keeping the peace within our borders.

Provide for the common defense:

Provide for Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines to keep us safe from outside aggressors.

Promote the General Welfare:

People interpret this in many ways. The debate is on going concerning our care of the poor, sick and disabled. Is the affordable health care act covered by this?

Secure the Blessings of Liberty:

Not just for ourselves but for future generations.