U.S. Citizenship Civics TestPrinciples of American DemocracyHard
The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution begins with 'We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union...' Which of the following best describes the primary goal expressed by this phrase?
- ATo ensure that individual states retain complete autonomy and independence from federal law.
- BTo establish an absolute monarchy with the President as sovereign.
- CTo declare independence from Great Britain and establish colonial rule.
- DTo create a stronger, more unified nation than under the Articles of Confederation.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. To create a stronger, more unified nation than under the Articles of Confederation.
The phrase 'form a more perfect Union' directly refers to rectifying the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation, which created a loose alliance of states, and establishing a stronger, more cohesive federal government.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The Constitution aimed for a stronger federal government, balancing state and federal power, not complete state autonomy.
- B. The Preamble is about establishing a republic, not a monarchy.
- C. The Declaration of Independence, not the Constitution's Preamble, declared independence from Great Britain.
Preamble's 'More Perfect Union'
The opening statement of the U.S. Constitution, which outlines the goals of the new government, primarily to improve upon the ineffective government established by the Articles of Confederation.
- Replaced Articles of Confederation
- Sought stronger national government
- Aimed for unity and stability
Memory trick: PERFECT UNION: better than the old, WEAK union.