4.3 – Think and Apply Activity 1
Preamble Language Activity (CLICK HERE here to copy/view/print worksheet)
Read the PREAMBLE to the U.S. Constitution in its original language:
Preamble: (noun) an introductory statement
“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.”
The U.S. Constitution was written hundreds of years ago, and might have many unfamiliar words. Let’s study what some of the words mean.
- The words on the left are from the preamble to the U.S. Constitution. The words on the right are synonyms (same or similar meaning) for those words.
MATCH the “Words from the Preamble” on the left by drawing a line to its “Synonym” on the right. Complete 1-2 with your classmates and teacher. Then try to finish the rest, and review as a class.
2. After correctly matching all of the words, drag the synonyms from the list below and place them next to their original word.
3. Next, here are some questions to think about when reviewing the preamble to the U.S. Constitution. Work individually or with a partner/small group to DISCUSS and WRITE an answer to ONE of the three questions. When finished, go over all three questions as a class and share the students’ answers [possible answers below].
| Possible answers: |
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| 1. People living in the U.S., so that we can create the best possible nation for everyone. |
| 2. Set up a fair legal system; make sure we have protection to live peacefully at home and can defend ourselves from others; use laws and systems to give everyone a high quality of life and allow them to enjoy their freedoms. |
| 3. For us and all the people who live in this country after us, we officially adopt this central legal document forming the government of the U.S. |
4. Let’s visualize it! As a final activity, and now that you are more comfortable with the language of the preamble, read the following phrases and pick what picture that best shows its meaning
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-Preamble phase: Establish justice
-Preamble phase: Insure domestic tranquility
-Preamble phase: Provide for the common defense
-Preamble phase: Promote the general welfare
-5. Preamble phase: Secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves and our posterity
Meaning: Make sure people at the present time and in the future are free to do what they want to.
Answers:
- Establish Justice = Picture E
- Domestic Tranquility = Picture A
- Common Defense = Picture B
- General Welfare = Picture C
- For Ourselves and Our Posterity = Picture D
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