[Sopater]

That phrase occurs nowhere in the Constitution, Mr. Penumbral Emanationist.

Just read section 8. It's close enough.

No, it is not anywhere close at all. It is the tool of tyrants to twist and misapply constitutional restrictions to suit their needs. You sir, are no better. Hopefully, you have no governmental authority.

[Kalamata]

James Madison said the general terms such as “General Welfare” and “Common Defense” were identified in the list of authorized powers, such as “Weights and Measures”, “Postal Service and Roads”, and the power to raise armies and to provide a Navy.

If lawmakers are allowed to make laws according to their interpretation of the General Welfare clause, then the Constitution is meaningless. Most lawmakers pretend their proposed legislation is for the general welfare, or the common good, or the public safety.