U.S. Citizenship Civics TestPrinciples of American DemocracyMedium
A civics student is studying the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution. They read, 'We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union...' What is the primary purpose of stating 'to form a more perfect Union'?
- ATo establish a national religion for the newly formed states.
- BTo grant unlimited power to the federal government over the states.
- CTo acknowledge that the new nation under the Constitution would be stronger and more unified than under the Articles of Confederation.
- DTo declare independence from Great Britain once again.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. To acknowledge that the new nation under the Constitution would be stronger and more unified than under the Articles of Confederation.
The phrase 'to form a more perfect Union' in the Preamble signifies the framers' intention to create a stronger, more cohesive national government than the one that existed under the weak Articles of Confederation.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. This option is incorrect; the Constitution establishes separation of church and state, not a national religion.
- B. This option is incorrect; the Constitution establishes a government of limited powers, not unlimited power over states.
- D. This option is incorrect; declaring independence had already occurred with the Declaration of Independence.
Preamble: 'More Perfect Union'
The phrase in the U.S. Constitution's Preamble signifying the framers' goal to create a stronger, more unified, and effective national government than the one under the Articles of Confederation.
- Refers to improving upon the Articles of Confederation.
- Aimed for greater unity and stability.
- Established a stronger federal government.
Memory trick: Perfect Union, better than before, stronger nation, knocking at the door.