what does it mean when it says provide for the common defense
The Founders knew defense was important, which is why they made it a central part of the governmentâs. In his paper, âThe Price of Liberty: Providing for the Common Defense,â Matthew Spalding explains: It is the constitutional duty of the federal government to secure the countryâs international borders and preserve and protect its territorial integrity, to strengthen and preserve its constitutional government, and to promote the long-term prosperity and well-being of its people.