Of or for

Question

Is there significant distinction between the following:  Constitution of the United States and Constituion for the United States?

Cfkii · Accepted Answer

In this context is there a significant difference between the phrases: Constitution for the United States and Constitution of the United States?

AlpheccaStars · Answer

The Constitution of the United States is the title of the document.

The Preamble contains the words defining the purpose of the document:

We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

Avangi · Answer

Actually, we need morecontext.

The founding fathers wrote this constitution for The United States.

This document is The Constitution Of The United States.

Welcome to English Forums, cfkii. Thanks for joining us!

Best wishes, - A.

Cfkii · Answer

The online version of 1828 Websters Dictionary has not a definition of the word "of" as the protocol requires a "three" letter word. Merriam-Websters online version does and those definitions are not listed as being synonomous.

I have a copy of the Constitution of the United States of America, form nccs.net,which is entitled "The Constitution of the United States of America". Considering that one of the "definitions" of "for" is "against", read in the preamble, "Constitution against the United States of America", as the delegates to the convention were concerned with limiting the scope/powers of their intended system of governance.

As the words are both prepositions, are not synonomous, and convey differing actions I again ask you indulgence in determining the differences.

Thank you cfkii

AlpheccaStars · Answer

Hi cfkii;

The preposition "of" to me, means "belonging to." This is a constitution (i.e. framework for the govennment) belonging to the United States.

From the 1828 dictionary (on-line) : definition "of": We say that of, in these and similar phrases, denotes property or possession, making of the sign of the genitive or possessive case.

The preposition "for" is used in the preamble that states that this constitution was written as the fundamental document to benefit the People and their new government.
The definition of for is:

In advantage of; for the sake of; on account of; that is, towards, noting use, benefit or purpose.

Against certainly does not fit the context. You have to read the examples given in the dictionary to see it does not fit. (the cases of exchange, remedy or antidote).

Avangi · Answer

cfkiiConsidering that one of the "definitions" of "for" is "against", read in the preamble, "Constitution against the United States of America", as the delegates to the convention were concerned with limiting the scope/powers of their intended system of governance.

This is the instruction manual for your computer.

This is a circuit diagram of/for your computer.

I see your point. We usually ask, "Are you for it or against it?"
Who would imagine that they could both mean the same thing?

Wear this warm jacket for the cold weather.
Wear this warm jacket against the cold weather.

If your question is:
Is the constitution counter to, or contrary to, the interests of the United States?
The answer is, "No."

You'd have to specify the particular evil or danger which the Constitution is intended to guard against.
That "evil" would not be "The United States" itself.

This Constitution is for limiting the scope and powers of our intended system of governance. (positive)

This Constitution is for/against the potential danger of excessive governmental power. (negative)

"For" is one of a large handful of English words whose various and sundry meanings boggle the mind.

The use of "for" meaning "against" is quite uncommon these days.

Of or for

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