The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution reads as follows: “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.”
Explain how you think the language of the Preamble reflects the idea of the social contract.
If you need help, please refer to pages 7-10 in your textbook as well as the following article: http://www.smccd.edu/accounts/armitage/TSC.pdf
Also, check out a scanned version of the ACTUAL Constitution Parchment (WAY COOL!): http://www.archives.gov/exhibits/charters/constitution.html
The preamble to the constitution implies that in order to have a peaceful and successful community, you have to maintain order, justice, domestic tranquility ect. The social contract on the other hand is a contract theory that says instead of living in a "state of nature" which Thomas Hobbes(a theorist) describes as nasy, short and brutish, you live in a community that has order. A community where people get things done. So in that light the two are the same concepts.
ReplyDelete-Paul Gazzara
The language of the Preamble to the U.S. constitution reflects the idea of the social contract because in the social contract it states that the theory of “Divine Rights”, as some enlightenment thinkers believed remains unproven, actually fits with what the Preamble is trying to ensure. Even though John Locke, Tomas Hobbes and Jean-Jacques Rousseau all had different opinions and ideas, they believed that God didn’t actually chose the countries leaders and everyone lived in a state of nature in which everyone is equal. Anything else would just be unjust and unfair. We also do secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity. Although the preamble to the constitution states that everyone has Domestic Tranquility and general welfare, I don’t think it’s that easy. In my opinion not everyone has the access to these. Even in the times when Thomas Hobbes was alive, life for the people was poor, brutish and short. There was fear of people taking sides with a specific leader that might acquire too much power and so on. America has gotten a lot better then what it was all those years ago, we are safer than before and we have a lot more opportunities but I still think that many people still need help getting general welfare. The constitution is and always will keep changing so maybe in time, we’ll get what we need to keep America in order and a place where everyone wants to live.
ReplyDeleteI think the language of the Preamble reflects the social contract, because it simply states that the people want to develop a better government by bringing tranquility, safety and security. It never states that our natural individual rights as humans would ever be tampered with or taken away from us. This is the whole idea of the social contract. Philosophers like Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau, believed that the approval of having a leader was of the people’s consent. At this time, we are still free to vote and choose who we think is capable to enforce laws and safety, while still staying true to the real concept of the social contract. Having no organized structure at all would just develop into chaos, because people would use their freedom too much. The entire preamble states, that ‘we the people’ want to be able to establish a better Union for everyone. While our actions have been limited throughout the years, and still are in certain circumstances, the social contract and the preamble never fail to show that our rights as an American, and a human being, are still around for us to keep. If the constitution had never been made, our rights would have been even more constrained in every situation.
ReplyDeleteAnastasia Papis pd 5
The language used in the Preamble reflects the idea of the social contract because it promotes the major ideas of the social contract. The social contract argues that the people hold the real power in government. They are free to maintain or change the government as they deem necessary. It states that the people chose to give power to the government as was needed to promote the safety and well-being of all. It is heavily based on the beliefs of natural rights, which are the rights to life, liberty, and estate. The language of the Preamble states that it secures these “natural rights.” This theory promotes a limited government that secures individual rights and takes care of the people. The Preamble states that it will take care of the people through “promoting the general Welfare, and establishing Justice.” The language used in the Preamble reflects the idea of the social contract as it is clearly based on that theory.
ReplyDeleteMariela Ortiz (period 3)
The language of the Preamble establishes the foundation of what we expect from our government. The idea of social contract is that, we follow the rules based on our own wills in order to be protected, feel safe and make sure our country is based smoothly. Within the Preamble, it writes, "From a more perfect Union" (make sure things run things smoothly), "Promote the General Welfare" (make sure we as citizens are fine) and "Secure the Blessings of Liberty" (secure our rights).
ReplyDeleteCeCe Howard,
Period 5. =)
This are the things that we expect, when we follow the rules and do our part.
I think the language of the Preamble reflects the idea of the social contract because it has to do with “We the People,” which means everyone in the United States of America. The exact quote is “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.” This quote is what starts the Preamble which also links together which the pledge of allegiance which states “…. One nation under god, indivisible with liberty, and justice for all.” What they quotes mean exactly is that we are all one. No one is individual, we stand together because we are all one nation, and in order to form perfection we all need each other, in order to establish justice, and insure domestic tranquility, and we can’t do it alone we need everyone to link together to make it happen, we are not a communist country, this is a country where we all stick together and the people have the power.
ReplyDelete- Georgina
Period: 3
The Preamble states the purpose of American constitution and government. The Preamble can be seen as a reflection of the social contract theory because the theory claims to serve the will of the people, that they are the sole source of political power and free to distribute that power however they want.
ReplyDeleteShazia Rahaman (prd 3)
The idea of the social contract had an impact on The Preamble. According to Hobbes, life in the state of nature was “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short” and fear was a constant companion. He believed in the right of self-preservation. Society would form a government under harsh conditions where fear would rule through making of a government. During the industrial revolution the out most importance was relied upon the proactivity not the individual the individual was a sacrifice to masproduction. Hobbes along with John Locke believed in absolute power. Locke was a more democratic thinker, he believed societies should form together to elect a government that protects these individuals, like the Preamble states, insure domestic tranquillity. Rousseau believed in the true essence of what a democracy should be. By providing for its citizens the state would enhance their welfare, the system would be there to provide the fundamentals of enriching the lives of the people.
ReplyDeleteEleni Danginis pd. 3
The language of the Preamble reflects the idea of the social contract by saying "WE THE PEOPLE" have some sort of power (control). That we are assured peace and order from a union where social contract implies that the people give up sovereignty to a government or other authority in order to receive or maintain social order through the rule of law. Both give the idea that one is ruling but We The People can be heard.
ReplyDeleteThe language of the Preamble reflects the idea of the social contract by saying "WE THE PEOPLE" have some sort of power (control). That we are assured peace and order from a union where social contract implies that the people give up sovereignty to a government or other authority in order to receive or maintain social order through the rule of law. Both give the idea that one is ruling but We The People can be heard.
ReplyDeleteThe language of the Preamble reflects the idea of the Social Contract, in stating by making a better union the people of our nation must create laws, defense, peace etc. This reflects the social contract, because that is when one gives up there rights to a government or other authority in order to receive these things; justice, common defense, general welfare etc. I feel each piece contradicts its self one saying we the people should do this to make our country better but in order to receive them you must give something up, your rights.
ReplyDeleteDenesh T.
Pd. 5
I think the language of the preamble reflects the idea of the social contract with the three thinkers. John Locke and Hobbes believe that all the people should be free and equal. John Locke’s theory really resembles the preamble. John Locke believes that the government should protect the people. The preamble states that it establishes justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide common defense, promote welfare and secure our liberties and the future's
ReplyDeletesarah han
period 5
The preamble is the spirit of the America Constitution. The Preamble does what people want them to do. People are the origin of the political power, because they have the right to vote and to give the power to the person or people who can be trust. And they also have every right to separate the power to whatever they want. The Preamble is same as a reflection of the social contract theory.
ReplyDeletePd 5 Wing Hung
The first three words in the United States Constitution explain very well the idea of the social contract. The social contract is the idea that people will give up their rights to have a stable society. As the people of the United States, we give up our freedom by electing officials and politicians to represent us. By electing them we trust their judgment to do what’s best but, people still maintain the power by having the authority to pick and chose the officials that go into office.
ReplyDeleteAnother social contract idea is to provide for the common defense. The NYPD is an example of how we can succeed in protecting one another. The FDNY, the Army and the Navy are other ways that people are trained in order to protect.
The language of the preamble reflects the idea of the social contract because in both you get this sense of "we" hence a society coming together to insure justice and tranquility. That without this government or group of people there would be no order or justice. Could you imagine a society without a government without a “we”? Both the social contract and the preamble suggest the idea that a group of people or person will stand up to protect and insure the people when our needs aren’t being met. Many say these sentences in the preamble summarize “American values.” The preamble and the social contract are surrounded by the same understanding that, people have certain rights and if those rights are violated by the government , the people have the right to “alter or abolish” that government. As in the social contract that same idea is within the divine right theory of over throwing this godly ruler, and has in the theory of John Locke that all men have natural rights. -Katelyn Disalvo
ReplyDeleteThe language of the Preamble reflects the idea of the social contract because it reflects the connecting ideas of the 3 thinkers. First the Preamble starts with the words “We the People” which states that the power of government is within the people, that related to how the 3 thinkers rejected the “divine right of kings” and thought that the right to rule rested with the people. Then it continues with “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” which reflects the idea that people come together to form a social contract as to protect “natural rights” of people. This more reflects the ideas of Hobbes in the way that it suggests that without government, there will be no “perfect Union,” “Justice,” or “domestic Tranquility.” It also reflects the ideas of John Locke in which government protected the natural rights of man. This is how the Preamble to the Constitution of the United States reflects the idea of the social contract.
ReplyDelete-Frank Zhao
I believe that the language of the Preamble reflects the idea of the social contract. The first sentence of the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution is as follows, “We the People of the United States,". The 'we' means not just a person, but a various amount of persons. A various amount of persons that helped put this constitution together, meaning their was not just one person deciding on everything on his own, hence the idea of being a Social Contract. After that sentence it then goes on to talk about the things being provided, making the contract part of the whole Social Contract idea.
ReplyDeleteThis preamble reflects the idea of social contract because in a social contract a group of people will willingly give up sovereignty.The Idea of social Contract almost promotes an agreement between the people and government to abide by a set of rules and allow to be governed.Abiding by these rules will allow you into society.That is what the preamble is an agreement between the two, in return people will receive essentials like such as security, freedom to do any occupation and provide domestic peace. Social Contract Idealists such as Thomas Hobbes or John Locke where seen as radicals and so where most of the people who built this country and wrote the constitution.John Locke Believes that people are almost instinctive to come together in society instead of being "solitary brutes". Therefore what Americans wanted here was an arrangement with the government to be in a society and in exchange allow to be governed which is a win win situation for both and that exactly is why it reflects The Social Contract.
ReplyDeleteThe language used in the Preamble reflects the idea of the social contract in that people will give up their rights to have a stable society. First the Preamble starts with the words “We the People” which states that the power of government is within the people. Which relates to the three thinkers rejected the “divine right of kings.” Where John Locke believes in which government protected the natural rights of man. The preamble and the social contract are surrounded by the same understanding that, people have certain rights and if those rights are violated by the government. They both show the idea that "We The People" can be heard.
ReplyDelete-ariana medunjanin period 3
The language of the preamble reflects the Social Contract right from beginning. The preamble begins with saying "We the people of the United States of America, in order to form a more perfect union", and with that being said, the use of "we" is implying that we all stand together. It is stating that this constitution is coming together to benefit an entire society of people, not just one person. The preamble continues with "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". With that line, they are clearly showing how the social contract has a major influence on the preamble. The main message, in my opinion, is that we all must come together and keep everyone's best interest at heart. It is our duty to help out each other in a time of need. It is important to take care of one another in a community and not rely on the government to to provide and dictate our social responsibilities. I believe that both are reflecting the same message and idea of a strong unity between citizens.
ReplyDeleteIn order for anyone to benefit in the society everyone must work together, they must strive to achieve a common goal and allow the government to govern them. In the Preamble the meaning of the word “we” allows everyone to come together and work as one. The Preamble shows that people have certain rights and basically sum up the American values. Even though we have one single ruler, the Preamble assures us that our voices will still be heard and our opinions still matter. Basically, the Preamble shows us the rights we have as Americans, the voices we have can be heard and someone is out there to listen.
ReplyDelete-Chrysanthe Thomatos Pd 3
The preamble is basicaly like the social contract. The social contract is the idea in wich people decide to give up there natrual laws for a society that is stable. The preamble was created in order to show that espically by having we the people which demonstrates that its not one person making the choices but the people who are making the import descions and choices. Even tho were giving up our natrual rights we are gaining tranquilty justice common defense etc
ReplyDeleteThe social contract as well as the Preamble are similar because they both express political beliefs and thoughts. Where people are free as well as equal, "We the people". It's the freedom between the people as well as the government in rule. In this type of society with people who agree with freedom as well as a government taking control, they receive benefits. In Hobbes opinion he believed the state of nature (people had equality and freedom) saw it in a pessimist view. It's the compromise between the people and the government, you do what ever is needed for the country and we have freedom and equality.
ReplyDeleteCHRISTINA CHRONOS PERIOD 3
The social contract as well as the Preamble are similar because they both express political beliefs and thoughts. Where people are free as well as equal, "We the people". It's the freedom between the people as well as the government in rule. In this type of society with people who agree with freedom as well as a government taking control, they receive benefits. In Hobbes opinion he believed the state of nature (people had equality and freedom) saw it in a pessimist view. It's the compromise between the people and the government, you do what ever is needed for the country and we have freedom and equality.
ReplyDeleteCHRISTINA CHRONOS PERIOD 3
It reflects the idea of the social contract in the way that it's not forced but the cooperation that is given will result in tranquility and security for all the people in general. The social contract isn't an contract that demands the people to actually do something because they're forced - it's the people giving up a little bit of liberty so that everyone can get benefits in return. Though a little bit of freedom must be given up, it's a win win situation because both sides will get something they want. The preamble shows us what the people want and even though nobody HAS to do anything, it brings lots of results if they do comply with the social contract.
ReplyDelete"we the people" states that this isn't just about the government - this is about everybody and that means that this is what everybody wants, so in order for everyone to get what they want, they must compromise.
Livianette Cabrera
The language of the Preamable reflects the idea of social contract because it talks about three important men who all had very different ideas. However, they did have one very important thing in common. They all did not believe in the "Divine Right theory". The Divine Right theory was that God gave Kings the right to rule. The idea of the social contract was to keep people safe, made sure things were running smooth and and secured peoples rights. John Locke, Thomas Hobbes and Jean-Jacques Rousseau they all agreed that the citizens and a right and had a say in some things. The citizens had some political power and they were able to run political things in which they all agree upon.
ReplyDeleteALEXA KANE
The language of the Preamble to the U.S constitution reflects on the ideas of the social contract because it talks about the same ideas as the enlightenment thinkers of the contract did. The Preamble states that the people want to create a better government by establishing justice, domestic tranquility and posterity which basically sums up “Natural Rights” . “We the people” deserve our individual rights and to have a say in what the government does as far as a whose in charge. The Preamble supports all of the same thoughts and beliefs of these enlightenment thinkers such as Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau. The same main theme is at hand in both documents, that “we” together as one nation should stand for our given rights and go for what you believe is right. We should be able to vote for what we think is the better option and in return the government should look out for their people. The preamble seems as if it could be a reflections on the Social Contract.
ReplyDelete-Jessica Morales
i think that the preamble reflects the social contract, because both state that we want to work on getting a better government. the social contract thinkers (locke, hobbes, and rousseau)believes that there is no divine right to rule, and that the power rest withtin the peoples agreement to what they feel makes the gov't run smoother as well as almost a compromise with the gov't to make a base set of rules and follow them to have a sense of organization as well as let the gov't do its job. if everyone follows by these rules there could be a set society as well as govt that people would always want to live in. so basiclly what the preamble is saying is this is what we expect from our govt, but in actuallity this will take some time because as we grow we learn new things and ways to handle certian situations and in order to continue to keep the people satisified our ways of dealing must constantly be changed till we find the best possible solution.
ReplyDelete- Alyse Green period 5
The language used in the Preamble reflects the idea of the social contract because it touches upon all major ideas in the social contract. The Preamble begins with “We the people” similarly in the social contract the three thinkers argued that it is in fact the people who hold the real power in government (not the kings).
ReplyDeleteFurthermore it states that the people come together to form a social contract, which is heavily based on the beliefs of natural rights. Rights that you should be born with, that cannot be taken away. Rights like freedom of speech and the pursuit of happiness.
This theory then continues on to promote a government that secures these natural rights (John Locke). Referring to the ideas of Hobbes he suggests that without government, there will be no “perfect Union,” “Justice,” or “domestic Tranquility.
The language used in the preamble sounds as if it was almost based off of the social contract. Used as a guideline to create the way we live our lives today.
Melissa Iachetta
Period 3
The language of preamble reflects the idea of social contract because it's saying "we the people" and that "we" is talking about all the people who put the constitution together. Which is also saying that the power of goverment is what the people have. The three thinkers were talking about who held the real power who were the people. So the preamble reflects is jusut like the social contract since it gets the same ideas from the social contract. Christopher Caraballo period 5
ReplyDeleteI believe the Preamble reflects the social contract because it explains the basic understanding of our country. It hits all of the major points that all people within our country are given. These are basically birth rights to the people, their divine right. It grants our security, protection, and our financial stability.
ReplyDeleteThe social contract as well as the Preamble is similar because they both express political beliefs and thoughts. Where people are free as well as equal, "We the people". This is the power between the people as well as the government. In the society where people who agree with freedom as well as a government having control, they receive benefits. Also how people are able to come together in which they form a social contract that protects our Natural Rights as human beings. This reflects Hobbes how without a government there wouldn’t be a type of justice. As for John Locke believes government believed that it protected men’s natural rights.
ReplyDelete-Joe Bee period 3
The preable constitution gives a reflection of the soial contrract because with in it it explains how in order to form the perfect union the real power would all have to be held by the people.
ReplyDeleteWith this the preamble supports all the main thoughts of the perspns that helpsed creat the social contract such as locke hobbes and rousseu forming a domestic trraquilty and eastablishing justice
I think the United States and mexico should work together and create a compromise about the drug war that is going on . Because the the US is selling drugs that they get from mexico and US also supplying mexico with guns. These guns are being used to hurt and kill people. If both sides made a plan so many problems would come to an end. And people would stop getting hurt.
ReplyDelete--Jamie Torney
The preamble is the pride of the America Constitution. The Preamble does what people expect them to do. People are the origin of the political power. I think this because the people have the right to vote and have the power to trust one another. People also have every right to separate the power. The Preamble is same as a reflection of the social contract theory. With out this every thing would not be how it is. Vittorio Rivera period 3
ReplyDeleteThe language of the preamble reflects the social contract because it states what the social contract entails. Everything that those three thinkers stood for was represented within the preamble. The fact that the power should be in the people, not just an elite class.
ReplyDelete>>DANIELA VARCASIA<<
ReplyDeletePERIOD 03
The Preamble reflects the idea of the social contract because we have control, if the government doesn't do the right thing than we the people can step in and defend ourselves. The Social Contract attributed to be the first state constitutions which was implemented in 1775 which preserve order. It’s when one give the right to the government to receive justice, defense, peace and welfare etc. "Promote the General Welfare" and "Secure the Blessings of Liberty" means to make sure citizens and their right are safe and secure. The Preamble start with “we the people” implying we have some saying and power but yet it seem we have to give up our right to take action to better our country.