Verbs and other stuff in the Preamble

What did our forefathers actually say?

MORE PERFECT?

su·per·la·tive

[ soo púrlətiv ] 1. excellent: of the highest quality

or degree2. highest in degree of comparison:

expressing the highest degree of grammatical comparison of an adjective or adverb

3. grammatical form: the grammatical form of an adjective or adverb that expresses the highest degree of comparison

Why did the writers of the Constitution qualify the superlative?

Establish Justice

es·tab·lish

[ i stábblish ] 1. start or set up something: to start

or set up something that is intended to continue or be permanent

2. place something permanently: to place something securely and permanently in a position, situation, or condition

3. confirm truth of something: to investigate something and prove or confirm its truth or validity

Which definition(s) of justice did they mean?

Insure vs Ensure Domestic Tranquility

in·sure

[ in shr ] 1. cover something with insurance:

to agree formally that, for a sum of money paid to a company, the company will pay compensation or costs if a particular harm or loss occurs to somebody or something

2. protect against risk: to get protection from something undesirable that might happen, usually by making contingency plans or taking precautionary or preventive measures

En Sure

[ in shr ] 1. make something certain:

to make sure that something will happen or be available

Synonyms: make sure, make certain

WHY INSURE INSTEAD OF ENSURE?

pro·mote

[ prə mṓt ] 1. advance somebody in rank: to

raise somebody to a more senior job or a higher position or rank

2. move somebody to next grade: to move a student to the next higher grade at the end of the school year

3. support or encourage something: to encourage the growth and development of something

WHAT WOULD HAVE BEEN ALTERNATE WORD CHOICES HERE?

Promote the General Welfare

Secure the Blessings of Liberty

Verb (used with object)

10.

to get hold or possession of; procure; obtain: to secure materials; to secure a high government position.

11.

to free from danger or harm; make safe: Sandbags secured the town during the flood.

12.

to effect; make certain of to ensure

to make firm or fast, as by attaching: to secure a rope..

HOW DOES THE WORD SECURE COMPARE WITH THE OTHERS?

WHY SECURE FOR LIBERTY?

Ordain and Establish this constitution

or·dain

[ awr dáyn ] 1. make religious

appointment: to appoint somebody officially as a priest, minister, or rabbi

2. command formally: to order or establish something formally, especially by law or by some other authority

1. Which definition did they mean?

2. Why use both words here?