What Are the Six Goals of the Constitution?

The Goals of the Constitution Today

While the country has changed dramatically since 1776 when the United States declared itself an independent country, the government still strives to adhere to and promote the goals outlined in the Constitution. Because of the many peoples, situations and advancements, this process can be complex. Different interpretations of the meaning of the Constitution lead to different interpretations of which powers the government has and which freedoms the people have.

Congress convenes in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C.NA/Photos.com/Getty Images

When the United States of America first broke away from England and established itself as its own country, many of the states acted independently. The goal of forming a more perfect union was designed to have them act in a unified manner and give government a broad base of power. The government could establish laws that all citizens had to abide by. The purpose was to develop a democratic nation with all peoples given the same rights and responsibilities.

The system of establishing justice is designed to treat every individual fairly without regard to race, creed, heritage or financial means. All citizens must follow the same laws and be given equal protection under them. The court system at the federal level handles all matters concerning the Constitution, the nation and foreign affairs. It also settles matters between individuals, individuals and the government and between the different states. The Supreme Court presides at the national level with state and local government handling disputes at their levels.

Early in the nation's history, a man named Daniel Shay led a protest against the government with hundreds of supporters. Upon hearing of it, George Washington established a system to keep order and ensure a peaceful environment for the people to live in. Like matters of law, policing is done at national, state and local levels depending on the offense and where it was committed. The primary goals of law enforcement are to protect the lives and property of citizens.

The Constitution makes provisions for the nation's defense.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images

A defense system has been necessary since the founding of the country. Great Britain still desired a hold on America and after the American Revolution it was apparent that the nation had to defend itself from other foreign countries as well. This problem still exists today. The Armed Forces now encompass the Navy, the Army, the Marine Corps, the Air Force and the Coast Guard to protect the country in all areas. The President is allowed to declare war but he must have the approval of Congress to ensure that there is no abuse of power.

Many federal programs exist to promote the well being of Americans. Taxes account for much of the money spent on social programs designed to ensure a good quality of life. Social Security for the elderly and disabled, subsidies to farmers, government standards in the workplace, free education and money allocated to the cure of diseases are but a few of these programs.

One of the reasons the American Revolution occurred was because the people of the United States wanted to live a life of liberty with the freedom to do as they wished. The Framers of the Constitution sought to make this possible for them as long as they adhered to laws set forth. In the Bill of Rights the people are granted 10 rights that the government cannot take away, allowing a great deal of freedom.

Although the Constitution was written when the country was first founded, the principles and goals are still upheld today. The government maintains its efforts to guarantee the rights of the citizens and protect their lives and liberties.