What is the basic message of the Preamble to the Constitution?

The Preamble to the Constitution establishes the foundational purpose and guiding principles of the document. Its primary message is that the authority of the federal government is derived from the consent of the governed, meaning that the power rests with the people. This is encapsulated in the phrase "We the People," which emphasizes that the structure and function of the government are established by the citizens to serve their collective interests.

The Preamble also outlines goals such as promoting justice, ensuring domestic tranquility, providing for the common defense, promoting the general welfare, and securing the blessings of liberty. By explicitly stating that it is the people who grant these powers, the Preamble underscores the democratic principle that government should be accountable to its citizens.

In contrast, the other options do not capture the essence of the Preamble as effectively. While they touch on aspects of government and rights, they do not emphasize the core idea of popular sovereignty as clearly as the correct answer does.