What is the purpose of the constitution? The purpose of the Constitution is to limit the power of the government such that the rights of the citizens are protected from government abuse.
A constitution embodies the fundamental principles of a government. Our constitution, adopted by the sovereign power, is amendable by that power only. To the constitution all laws, executive actions, and, judicial decisions must conform, as it is the creator of the powers exercised by the departments of government.
First it creates a national government consisting of a legislative, an executive, and a judicial branch, with a system of checks and balances among the three branches. Second, it divides power between the federal government and the states. And third, it protects various individual liberties of American citizens.
The Preamble states that the Constitution exists “to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, [and] promote the general Welfare.” The emphasis on establishing a “Union” and a successful government for it is not surprising because the Constitution was ...
The first goal was to create a more perfect union, or promote national unity. The second goal was to establish justice, or equality before the law. The third goal was to ensure domestic tranquility, or peace at home. The fourth goal was to provide for the common defense, or the security of the nation.
Terms in this set (6)
seven articles
The Constitution of the United States contains a preamble and seven articles that describe the way the government is structured and how it operates.
Congress has the power to:
Generally, constitutional law is the foundation of all law in a specific jurisdiction. It establishes governmental authority and power, as well as limitations and grants of rights. The Constitution of the United States established a system of government and serves as the primary source of law.
Rights and Protections Guaranteed in the Bill of Rights
| Amendment | Rights and Protections |
|---|---|
| First | Freedom of speech Freedom of the press Freedom of religion Freedom of assembly Right to petition the government |
| Second | Right to bear arms |
| Third | Protection against housing soldiers in civilian homes |
constitutional law, the body of rules, doctrines, and practices that govern the operation of political communities. In modern times the most important political community has been the state.