"We the People" establishes that the US government derives its authority from the consent of the governed, embodying the principle of popular sovereignty.
The statement that best expresses the purpose of the opening words of the US Constitution "We the People" is:
The US government derives its authority from the consent of the governed.
This phrase asserts that the power to govern ultimately rests with the people of the United States, not with any particular group or individual. It emphasizes the principle of popular sovereignty, which is a cornerstone of American democracy.
The other statements are not as accurate in expressing the purpose of "We the People." While they do touch on some of the important goals of the Constitution, they do not fully capture the essence of popular sovereignty.
Here is a more detailed explanation of why each of the other statements is not as accurate:
- "To establish a more perfect Union" - This phrase highlights one of the specific goals of the Constitution, but it does not fully express the overarching principle of popular sovereignty.
- "To secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity" - This phrase emphasizes the importance of protecting individual liberty, but it does not address the source of that authority, which is the people themselves.
- "To promote the general Welfare" - This phrase emphasizes the role of government in promoting the well-being of its citizens, but it does not fully explain the notion of popular sovereignty and the consent of the governed.