"Generally the Constitution is a charter of negative liberties...it says what the states can't do to you...it says what the federal government can't do to you, but it doesn't say what the federal government or the state government must do on your behalf."
This statement by President Obama is utterly false and and unfounded, and here is why:
In 1776, the Massachusetts town of Concord, in their town meeting, made certain resolves concerning the desired constitution for Massachusetts state, and said the following in their resolves:
"That the Supreme Legislative, either in their proper capacity, or in joint committee, are by no means a body proper to form and establish a constitution, or form a government; for reasons following. First, because we conceive that a constitution in its proper idea intends a system of principles established to secure the subject in the possession and enjoyment of their rights and priviliges, against any encroachments of the governing part."
Thus, Mr. President, The Constitution does indeed state, by its very purpose and existence, what the government "must do" for the people on their behalf. These are the same things that it cannot legally do to the people. It must provide protection for or on behalf of the people of their rights and liberty. It cannot and must not provide things or materials for the people except those things that benefit the whole of the people, like a post system or roads, that all individuals can use and benefit from personally. It must provide for the common defense of the people and their rights and liberty. It must do, and cannot do, anything more or anything less than these. This is what the Constitution dictates that the federal government and state governments must do on behalf of the people, and "must do on your behalf," Mr. President.
So, Mr President, does the Constitution really not state what the federal and state governments must do on behalf of the people? In short, yes, it does state such, but not what you personally think it should do on behalf of the people, President Obama. Remember, Benjamin Franklin said,