in the U.S preamble what does "provide for the common defense" mean?

Answer 1

Do you want the answer as viewed by the framers of the constitution or in today's political views?

The original framers did not think the constitution gave the Federal Government authority for a standing army. Each state had laws on the books about state militias. The Federal Government was to call them up and use them in time of crisis, hence the second amendment.

Today's politicians see it as either a chance to further their political views or make their cronies rich at taxpayer's expense.

Answer 2

Thinking along the lines of the people who came up with the Preamble, you can have the US Government issue you a rifle. They will give you that rifle and you only have to fill out the paperwork for it and pay the tax on it which is about $200. A friend of mine did it and they gave him a totally reconditioned M1 Grand rifle. This is a rifle that should the government start taking away people's guns, they can't take it away cause you would have the paperwork where the government gave it to you.

Answer 3

I would interpret that phrase to mean that we have formed a more perfect Union that protects our citizens from those who might try to invade our land or attack our borders.

Too bad the native American Indians didn't have such a Constitution when the first 'illegal immigrants' arrived here in 1607 and simply stole the land from the Indians, refused to learn their language or adopt their customs, and eventually ran those 'savages' on to reservations.

"Provide for the common defense" doesn't mean we should allow an insane, war-mongering President to run rip shod over our Constitution, declare war without Constitutionally authorized by our Congress, or attack another sovereign nation that in no way threatened, provoked or attacked the United States. -RKO- 09/04/07

Answer 4

It is the one main job the govt isn't doing - protecting us from foreign invaders and attackers.