The U.S. Constitution Preamble Song (School House Rock)

By Adam Emery

The United States Constitution

Drafted by several committees at the Independence Hall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1787.

12 states sent a total of 55 delegates (Rhode Island did not send anyone…not cool, man).

The main committee responsible for the final draft was the “Committee of Stile and Arrangement.”

Members:

• The document was ratified by the 13 colonies between September 17TH, 1787—May 29TH, 1789.

(in case you forgot)

Alexander Hamilton, William Johnson, Rufus King, James Madison,and Gouverneur Morris.

What’s With This “Preamble” Business?

The Preamble breaks down “why” the Constitution was drafted.

• The text of the Preamble is attributed, for the most part, to Gouverneur Morris.

• It outlines the hopes, dreams, and ambitions of the delegates and it also justifies why they were doing it.

God, I’m smart.

The Preamble

Let’s examine each part of the Preamble so we can get a better understanding of what it means:

“We The People…”

• This statement is spurned by the Framers’ intention to reflect the opinions and desires of the common man, not the elite. Without the approval of the common man, they feared revolt. This statement codifies the creators of this document—not a god, or the king, but the people.

“…in order to form a more perfect union…”

The main reason for the drafting of the Constitution was the result of the Framers’ dissatisfaction with the Articles of Confederation. It succeeded as sort of the “prototype” for organized government, but, already ten years in to its ratification, “cracks” were showing.

The Constitution was created to allow the United States to be “more perfect” than it was under the Articles of Confederation. Not perfect, but more perfect.

“…establish justice…”A serious concern of the citizens in 1787 was the lack of fairness and justice in the systems of law and trade.

They wanted a society where trading both inside and out of the country would be just and unbiased, and that they could be insured a fair trial.

The Courthouse in Colonial Williamsburg

…”insure domestic tranquility…”One recent event on the mind of all the Framers was Shays’ Rebellion, in which war veterans (led by Daniel Shays, a former captain in the Continental Army) took up arms against the state in revolt to the lack of Pro Debtor laws which would have made it easier for the farmers to pay their debts.

Under the new powers that the Constitution granted the federal government, it could be assured that order would be established and tranquility maintained.

I say, it looks like John is becoming rather violent about being forced to pay his debts or suffer imprisonment. Do you think we should stop him before this gets worse?

Give him the left, son! The LEFT!

“…provide for the common defense…”

The nation was watchful for attacks on all fronts, be it foreign acts by Britain or Spain, or internal attacks by the Indians.

No one state would be able to fend off an attack, so the united front of all the colonies would ensure their endurance in the turbulent realm of 18TH century international politics.

“…promote the general welfare…”

This is the one of the culminations of all the phrases stated previously. Having justice, tranquility, and defense was all in place to allow every citizen in every state to enjoy the benefits of the expanded amenities (land holdings, investment, and industry) that the new federal government could provide.

"Promote the General Welfare" installed on the front of the Greenbelt Community Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

“…and secure the blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our

prosperity…”Along with “promoting the general welfare,” the Framers wanted to make sure that the liberty, which they had fought so hard for just a decade before, would be ensured for their lifetimes and the lives of future generations.

Also, the distinction again was made that this was a utopia for liberty, not a tyranny of a monarchy that focuses on the concerns of the king as opposed to the rights and freedom of the people.

“…do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

This final statement names the document itself and restates the name of country which is was drafted for.

The use of “ordains” is also a reminder of the higher power involved—not a king, but the people.

“Establish” confirms that this is the law of the land, replacing the earlier rule of the United States under the Articles.”

And now…We’re going to memorize the Preamble to the United States Constitution!

Hmph, as if the brilliance of my personalized political script could be remembered by such unlearned people…

• It can be done, using…

School House Rock!Video with lyrics:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sre7GuNEjpE&feature=relatedOriginal video:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30OyU4O80i4

The

End

Works CitedKillian, Johnny H. "U.S. Senate: Reference Home Constitution of the United States." U.S. Senate: Reference Home Constitution of the United States. Office of the Secretary of the Senate, 2012. Web. 20 Oct. 2012. <http://www.senate.gov/civics/constitution_item/constitution.htm>.

Mount, Steve. "Constitutional Topic: The Preamble." - The U.S. Constitution Online. N.p., 2010. Web. 19 Oct. 2012. <http://www.usconstitution.net/consttop_pre.html>.

"Shays' Rebellion." Ushistory.org. N.p., 2012. Web. 20 Oct. 2012. <http://www.ushistory.org/us/15a.asp>.

"US Constitution Facts | The United States Constitution." US Constitution Facts | The United States Constitution. Winter Soldiers, 2012. Web. 20 Oct. 2012. <http://www.wintersoldiers.com/us-constitution-facts.html>.