"Promote the general welfare" means the government’s responsibility to act in ways that improve the well-being, health, safety, and prosperity of the entire population, not just select groups or individuals. Historically, this has included efforts to improve transportation, agriculture, industry, public health, and the environment, as well as addressing social and economic problems

. In the U.S. Constitution, this phrase appears in the Preamble and the General Welfare Clause, granting Congress the power to tax and spend for the benefit of the nation as a whole. This includes programs and laws that support public safety, healthcare, education, infrastructure, and economic stability

. The concept has two main dimensions:

• The duty of government to provide for citizens' basic needs and equal opportunity.
• The scope of government authority to respond to national needs, such as social security, disaster assistance, and market regulation

Promoting the general welfare is understood as striving to enhance the health, happiness, and prosperity of all members of society, reflecting a fundamental goal of government since the founding of the United States

. In summary, "promote the general welfare" means government actions aimed at securing and improving the conditions necessary for the well-being and prosperity of the entire community or nation