In times of division, the Preamble to the United States Constitution offers a vision of unity and common purpose. We were joined on our webinar by Akhil Reed Amar, Sterling Professor of Law and Political Science at Yale University; former U.S. Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy; and Colonel Elliott Bales, U.S. Army (Ret.), to explore how the Preamble and other foundational documents can help us find common ground and work together, despite disagreements. Read below for a summary.
Key Takeaways
The Preamble highlights the shared purpose of "We the People" as a unifying foundation for the nation.
Securing "the blessings of liberty" requires balancing individual freedom with collective responsibility.
"The common defense" is more than a military responsibility—it’s a commitment to protecting democracy.
Promoting "the general welfare" demands collaboration, bipartisanship, and prioritizing people over politics.
We the People
"What we have in common, all of us Americans, is this—not just the 52 words, but the whole Constitution, including the amendments, and the story behind it," emphasized Professor Akhil Amar during our webinar on the Preamble to the United States Constitution. This poignant reminder highlights a fundamental truth: while we may differ in race, religion, geography, and political beliefs, our shared history and the ideals enshrined in the Constitution provide a common foundation.
"We don’t have race, we don’t have ethnicity, [or] religion in common. Geographically, we’re dispersed. Politically, we’re very dispersed. Some of us came recently…some of our families came a long time ago, some in chains, some with bullwhips in hand," Professor Amar continued. These words resonated deeply throughout the conversation, inviting us to reflect on how the Preamble, with its 52 words of purpose and promise, offers a vision of unity amidst our differences.
Colonel Elliott Bales echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the ongoing responsibility embedded in the words "We the People" and connecting it to the idea of a "more perfect union." "We're constantly trying to make this union more perfect," Bales shared, noting that each generation has a role to play in continuing this work and highlighting the balance required to uphold the nation's principles amidst evolving challenges.
Former Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy built on this idea, reflecting on how each generation builds on the last to create a stronger democracy. "That's really the story of America: that each generation builds on the last in order to make a more perfect union," Murphy explained. Her story of personal sacrifice and commitment to public service serves as a testament to the idea that "We the People" is not a static concept but an ongoing charge to strengthen the bonds that unite us.
The Blessings of Liberty
Stephanie Murphy’s personal story brought the Preamble’s "blessings of liberty" to life. "I wasn’t lucky enough to be an American born here in the United States," Murphy began, sharing her family’s escape from persecution in Vietnam. "They decided to escape by boat in the dead of night with a six-month-old daughter—me—and an eight-year-old son. And they got to international waters, and they simply ran out of fuel."
She described the timely intervention of a U.S. Navy ship, which saved her family and enabled them to begin a new life in America. Murphy connected her family’s story to the Preamble’s message: "This moment really changed the course of my entire life, but it’s also the moment that makes me understand what makes America great—this combination of power and generosity."
Colonel Bales reflected on the balance required to secure liberty. "Securing the blessings of liberty and our liberty is something that is always in balance with common defense," he said. Professor Amar underscored this point, emphasizing that the "blessings of liberty" must be protected for future generations: "This isn’t just for our generation; it’s for later generations, our posterity."
The Common Defence
Colonel Bales provided a deep dive into the meaning of "provide for the common defense," drawing from his 26 years of military service. "The function of and the instruments used to provide for the common defense are subservient…to 'We the People,'" Bales explained. He stressed the importance of civilian oversight, noting, "We set that precedent very early on that [the military] is not going to be its own thing, separate and apart."
Bales discussed the profound responsibility of military service and the duty to uphold the Constitution while navigating the chain of command. “At every level of command, there is now legal counsel,” he explained. “Before an order gets issued, you look at it and ask, ‘What do we need to do to accomplish this purpose? Can I do that? What are the legal implications?’” Reflecting on his career, Bales emphasized the importance of staying grounded in the principles of law and ethics established in the Constitution, ensuring that every action aligns with the foundational values of the nation.
Professor Amar brought a historical lens to the discussion, highlighting how the Constitution’s framers prioritized unity to ensure defense against external threats. "Unless we indivisibly unite, the monarchical powers of Europe are going to slice and dice us," Amar said, linking the common defense to the broader vision of a unified nation.
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The General Welfare
Professor Amar opened the discussion on "promote the general welfare" by connecting it to the founding vision of the Constitution. "The framers were trying to solve the problems of their era," he explained. "They weren’t writing just for themselves but for their posterity—future generations. The general welfare was about creating a society where liberty and opportunity could thrive, not just for one group, but for everyone."
This principle resonates deeply in contemporary governance, as demonstrated by former Congresswoman Stephanie Murphy’s efforts to address gun violence. "Let’s start at a place of facts," Murphy urged, recalling her work to lift the 22-year federal ban on gun violence research. Representing an Orlando district devastated by the Pulse nightclub shooting, she was determined to take meaningful action. “There had to be a way that we could protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens while also ensuring that we could keep weapons of war out of the hands of people intending harm,” she said.
For a year, Murphy’s bill garnered only Democratic co-sponsors. Then, the tragedy at Parkland shook the nation, catalyzing bipartisan action. The students at Parkland, empowered by strong civics education, led the charge, using their voices to advocate for gun violence reform. Murphy recounted how she used their momentum to engage Republican colleagues. "My first Republican co-sponsor was Carlos Curbelo from Florida," she said. "After he signed on, more Republicans followed."
The bipartisan effort culminated in Congress passing Murphy’s bill as part of a broader spending package, which was signed into law by President Trump. "This effort was done in a very bipartisan way on behalf of people affected by gun violence across the country," Murphy reflected. By focusing on common ground and reasonable solutions, she demonstrated how promoting the general welfare requires collaboration and a commitment to evidence-based policymaking.
To Ourselves and Our Posterity
Colonel Bales reminded us that progress is always possible when we remain steadfast in our commitment to the ideals of the Constitution: "Tomorrow is going to be fine as long as we hold the line today." His reflection underscores the responsibility of each generation to uphold and advance the principles that unite us.
Stephanie Murphy echoed this optimism, emphasizing the role of educators and the next generation in shaping our collective future: "Civics education can have a significant impact on policy and the future of this country. Thank you all for doing the really difficult job of teaching the next generation about their responsibilities, their opportunities, and their blessings."
These reflections remind us that while the challenges are great, the potential for progress remains strong when we work together, guided by the vision of the Preamble and the enduring values it enshrines.
Links
The Words That Made Us by Akhil Reed Amar
Watch the Recording
If you missed the live event or would like to revisit any part of the discussion, you can watch the full recording of below.
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