We the People – Explanation, Video, Quiz, Lesson Plan

Why Does the Constitution Begin With the Words “We the People”?

People tend to focus on the 27 amendments and the seven articles of the United States Constitution, especially those related to modern governance and the succession of power.

But, we can’t overlook the importance of the constitution’s preamble, starting with “We the People of the United States.”

The preamble to the constitution acts as an introduction to the laws and clauses. In addition, it serves as a declaration from Founding Fathers such as James Madison and Thomas Jefferson to “ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.”

However, the first words don’t appear to fit with the idea of those higher power figures making this declaration to the world. It begins, “We the People of the United States.”

This term has taken on a life of its own since it was first written. But why did those who wrote the Constitution decide to use it?

Why Does the Preamble to the Constitution Begin With “We the People”?

There are different theories as to why one of the most important documents in United States history begins with these words.

One view is that this was an attempt to appear relatable, with the representatives referring to themselves as American people like everyone else.

Another is that this was an attempt to show that the US people held power in their hands, and it was, therefore, their document.

Whatever the reason, it is interesting to look at the deeper meanings of the word “people” and the importance of this statement.

We the People Are the Typical People of the United States

Declaring themselves to be “people of the United States” gives the impression that citizens created this document.

It is a clever way of suggesting that the State Representatives are people and makes them relatable to all who would rely upon the American Constitution.

In other words, there isn’t an “us against them” approach here where the everyday person of the United States could feel detached from what was said.

Therefore, as soon as you get into clauses about the rights of the people of the United States and their freedoms, there is the sense that this applies to everyone.

We the People Was Necessary at the Time of Creating the Constitution

The Constitutional Convention brought together representatives of almost all states to Philadelphia to create a new government form.

The aim was to create a federal government that could oversee the United States people without holding so much power that it would risk citizens’ fundamental rights.

This led to the checks and balances approach and the distinction between federal and state law. It was a requirement that all states give “full faith and credit” to other states’ laws and procedures.

Therefore, everyone was in this together at a national level while retaining personal freedoms and dealing with state laws.

Or, Perhaps They Weren’t Talking About Themselves at All

Another way to look at the term “We the People” is that the state representatives involved weren’t talking about themselves.

Instead of making themselves relatable as fellow citizens of the US, they may have referred to the fact that, ultimately, the people of the United States have the greatest power.

The final constitution could not be credited to 12 or 13 men only, and it couldn’t be perceived as something derived solely from the coalition of the states.

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They couldn’t turn to the nation and say, “We, the representatives of the states of America, have decided how to run this country.” It had to be credited to the United States as a whole.

The United States constitution could only gain sovereignty from the acceptance of the US people, so it was, therefore, the people of all 13 states that had to give that declaration to “ordain and establish” it.

The decision is little more than a gesture. While it is true that the people of the US will elect the representatives and leaders and that they should have the most power, in the end, the blueprint for the system of the United States government was the result of that handful of representatives.

The People of the US vs. the Citizens of the US

Finally, we have to look at the word “people” here rather than “citizens.” Some suggest that the term people of the United States only refers to those with citizenship status.

In other words, it reinforces the idea that the rights and clauses within are only related to those with legal status in the country.

However, the broadness of the word people is also a great way of ensuring that everyone from each state is included. That means men, women, and children from all aspects of society.

Any Color or Race

We could also assume that this could mean “people” of any color or race.

This is where the vagueness of language in the preamble, as with the constitution more generally, becomes dangerous. It is easy to make assumptions if you don’t have a more cynical outlook.

In the preamble case, it is clear that the Native Americans outside of the 13 states weren’t classed as people of the United States.

So it wasn’t long before the nation worked on the process of “advancing” and “civilizing” Natives and creating treaties to acquire their land.

Greater inclusivity would take time

Of course, over the centuries, amendments would alter the constitution to ensure that specific groups achieved equal rights, such as those subjected to slavery in the US or women’s right to vote.

For example, the 13th Amendment abolished slavery, while the 19th Amendment granted women the right to vote.

However, using people instead of citizens implies that those creating the constitution were speaking to everyone within the country.

We the People Quiz

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Alternatively, you can take our online quiz here:

We the People Quiz

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Lesson Plan About “We the People” in the Constitution

Objective

Students will be able to understand the historical and contemporary significance of the phrase “We the People” in the Constitution and its role in shaping American law and civic identity.

Materials

• Copies of the Preamble to the Constitution
• Handouts on the 14th Amendment and Supreme Court cases that have invoked “We the People” (District of Columbia v. Heller and Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission)
• Access to online resources for research and analysis (optional)

Introduction (10 minutes)

• Begin the lesson by asking students if they are familiar with the phrase “We the People.”
• Have students read the Preamble to the Constitution and ask them to identify where the phrase “We the People” appears.
• Ask them to share their initial thoughts on the significance of the phrase in the Constitution.

Direct Instruction (20 minutes)

• Share with students that the phrase “We the People” emphasizes that the Constitution is created and ratified by the people and not just the government.
• Provide students with handouts on the 14th Amendment and have them read and analyze the amendment in small groups.
• Discuss as a class the role of the 14th Amendment in expanding the rights and protections afforded to citizens.
• Share with students the Supreme Court cases that have invoked “We the People” (District of Columbia v. Heller and Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission) and have them read and analyze the cases in small groups
• Discuss as a class the role of these cases in interpreting the Constitution to protect individual rights from government infringement.

Guided Practice (20 minutes)

• Have students conduct further research on the phrase “We the People” and its significance in shaping American law and civic identity.
• Students can use online resources or other materials provided by the teacher to gather information.
• Have students present their findings to the class in a short presentation.

Independent Practice (20 minutes)

• Have students write a short essay on the importance of the phrase “We the People” in the Constitution and its role in shaping American law and civic identity.
• Encourage students to include specific examples and analyses in their essays.
• Collect and review essays for understanding and mastery of the objective.

Closure (10 minutes)

• Summarize the lesson’s main points and the significance of the phrase “We the People” in the Constitution.
• Ask students to share their final thoughts on the phrase and its importance.
• Remind students that the phrase “We the People” is not just a historical relic but still has relevance in shaping American law and society today.

Assessment

• Student participation in class discussions
• Small group analysis of the 14th Amendment and Supreme Court cases
• Student research and presentation
• Written essay on the importance of “We the People” in the Constitution

Note: The time frame is approximate and can be adjusted at the teacher’s discretion. The lesson plan can be adapted for different grade levels and contexts.