According to the Constitution, what is the main purpose of the federal government?

The primary purpose of the federal government, as outlined in the Constitution, is to protect the rights of its citizens. This principle is evident in several key sections of the Constitution, including the Preamble, which highlights the importance of securing the blessings of liberty and establishing justice. Additionally, the Bill of Rights explicitly enumerates various rights that are intended to safeguard individual liberties from government infringement. This foundational goal demonstrates the commitment of the framers to ensure that government exists primarily to serve and defend the rights and freedoms of the people, rather than solely to expand its territory, regulate the economy, or raise revenue. While these functions may be important aspects of government responsibility, they are not the central purpose defined by the Constitution.