We The People: What We Value

By Linda Fisher Thornton

As we near the 4th of July, it is a fitting time to remind ourselves of the greater vision for our country. During a tour of the Constitution Center in Philadelphia, I realized that the U.S. Constitution opens with a beautiful ethics code designed to ground our nation in a commitment to the long-term greater good of society.

Our Governing Ethics Code

“We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common Defence, 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.”
The Preamble to the U. S. Constitution

While we’re struggling to sort out how to honor these principles, we should always remember that to maintain “domestic tranquility” and “promote the general welfare” requires more from citizens than simply being in favor of a future where we all can flourish.

“We the People are the stewards of the U.S. Constitution and remain ultimately responsible for its continued existence and its faithful interpretation. “
Interpretation: The Preamble, National Constitution Center

What We The People Can Do

We all need to play a part in creating a society grounded in the Greater Good. This role includes: staying morally aware as the world changes, being responsible information consumers, focusing on peaceful solutions to difficult problems, working across ideologies to find common ground, and choosing ethical leaders who have shown their willingness to uphold this important ethics code.

No one ever promised it would be easy.

To learn more, visit The National Archives and The Constitution Center.