We The People

Historically, the inclusion of "We the People" reflects the Enlightenment ideals that influenced the Founding Fathers. Thinkers such as John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau championed the notion of social contracts and the inherent rights of individuals, which resonated deeply in the minds of those drafting the Constitution. The framers sought to create a document that not only represented the interests of the states but also recognized the collective identity of the American populace. This shift in perspective was radical for its time, emphasizing that sovereignty rests with the citizenry rather than an autocratic ruler.