Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Subject Area Practice Test

Which term most accurately describes the purpose of the preamble of the U.S. Constitution?

1. Establishment of federal laws

2. Limitation of the government

3. Definition of individual rights

4. Outline of government structure

The correct answer is: Limitation of the government

The purpose of the preamble of the U.S. Constitution is to articulate the foundational intentions and objectives behind the establishment of the Constitution. It serves as an introduction that sets the stage for the articles that follow, outlining the core purposes for which the Constitution was created. The preamble begins with "We the People" to emphasize that the authority of the government derives from the consent of the governed. It aims to establish justice, promote general welfare, secure liberty, and achieve unity among the states. This focus on promoting and securing specific goals underscores the preamble's role in expressing a commitment to limiting government powers by establishing a framework aimed at serving the public and safeguarding rights, rather than granting unchecked authority. As such, identifying the preamble primarily as a limitation of government accurately captures its role in defining the guiding principles that the government must adhere to. It sets the expectations for governance and civil order, which directly aligns with the concept of limiting governmental powers to ensure they remain accountable to the people. In contrast, the other choices do not fully encapsulate the essence of the preamble. While it does mention the establishment of rules and rights indirectly, its primary purpose is to outline the government’s obligations and the overarching values it must uphold rather than detailing the