The adult “We the People 101” course I took in 2023 was an eye-opener. I gained a more thorough knowledge and a much deeper appreciation for our U.S. Constitution. The Preamble to the Constitution, I believe, gives us some guidelines for preserving a civil society. So who are WE as Americans?
“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…”
The Preamble of the U.S. Constitution begins with “We the people of the United States.” WE are the agents of democracy. “In Order to form a more perfect Union.” Though we are a pluralistic society in 50 different states, WE are meant to be ONE nation – united not divided. We can try to solve our nation’s problems by respecting those with opposing views and not labeling them “enemies” – instead finding “common ground” where we can agree and work together as Americans.
This government is to “form a more perfect Union.” How? We are to “establish Justice” in our laws and courts. We are to “insure domestic Tranquility” calmly conducting our domestic affairs. We are to “provide for the common defence” supporting our military.
Pennsylvania, Virginia, Kentucky, and Massachusetts are “Commonwealths” suggesting that the resources of the state are to benefit all. We see this ideal pragmatically in action these days in Indiana with the tremendous outpouring of support by law enforcement, emergency personnel, and elected officials for those who have lost homes and businesses due to flooding. We are grateful for the tireless efforts of those seeking the missing persons in the floods. Our hearts ache for the family and friends of those tragically lost in recent days. Our empathy nourishes civility as well.
We are to “secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our posterity.” We have the civic obligation to preserve these principles enshrined in the Preamble of the U.S. Constitution.
Likewise, the Preamble to The Constitution of the State of Indiana reiterates some of the same ideals espoused in the Preamble to the U.S. Constitution:
“TO THE END, that justice be established, public order be maintained, and liberty perpetuated; We, the People of the State of Indiana, grateful to ALMIGHTY GOD for the free exercise of the right to choose our own form of government, do ordain this Constitution.”
The Preamble to the State of Indiana Constitution indicates that we value public order and justice and faith and freedom and we want to pass these values on to our posterity.
The recent “Hoosier Hospitality March” in Fishers emphasized the welcoming trait of Hoosiers. Approximately 1,000 people rallied in support of immigrants. Mayor Scott Fadness issued a statement to set the parameters for the marchers “asking protestors to follow the law and exemplifying civil discourse.” (The Indianapolis Star, Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2026) The discussion of a serious subject in speech or writing, “civil discourse,” is necessary for us to get along and function as a community and as a country.
The Hoosier Hospitality March participants chanted as they walked through Fishers. The final line of the chant was “Immigrants are welcome here.”
We might add “Civility is practiced here.” Acknowledging the dignity of each individual and respectfully disagreeing promotes democracy.
“We the people” must continue the efforts “to form a more perfect Union.”
Let’s commit to achieving this goal, individually and together.
The UNITED States of America depends on it.
Nancy Kelly Smith is a retired English professor and published author. She is also an Ambassador for the national civility organization Civic Renaissance. Learn more at civic-renaissance.com.
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