Final answer:
The statement that the United States Constitution's first words originally listed each state is false. The Preamble starts with 'We the People' to emphasize national unity and the principle of popular sovereignty, transitioning from the state-focused Articles of Confederation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The iconic first words of the United States Constitution, 'We the people of the United States,' did not originally list each individual state from north to south; rather, they were crafted to emphasize the unity and collective identity of the nation as a whole.
The statement is false. The Constitution's Preamble begins with 'We the People' to signify the concept of popular sovereignty, where all government power is derived from the people. This was a shift from the Articles of Confederation that focused more on state power and less on national unity. The Preamble outlines the purposes of the government to establish a more perfect union, justice, domestic tranquility, defense, general welfare, and the blessings of liberty for posterity.
The Constitution was influenced by the framers' understanding of historical republics and the existing state constitutions, advocating for a balanced government structure with three branches and a system of checks and balances. The resulting document, ratified in 1788, represented a more centralized government while trying to maintain a balance with state rights, addressing shortcomings in the Articles of Confederation.