Answer # 1
This is not answered via biblical text, its answered by Alexander Hamilton in the Federalist Papers. Its text which is tied directly to the enumerated power of congress in the United States constitution. Provide for the general welfare is therefore limited by the enumerated powers and does not stand alone as a separate power. Hamilton explains it exactly as such.
Answer # 1 Ends
The government is not suppose to provide for the general welfare, it is suppose to promote the general welfare. There is a big dfference.
Congress
The Preamble: "Provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare".
To promote the general welfare
The legislative branch, Congress, has the power to provide for the general welfare of the US. This is an express power stated in Article I, Section 8, Clause 1, which states that Congress shall have the power to:"1. Lay and collect taxes, duties, imposts, and excises, to pay the debts and provide for the common defense and general welfare of the United States; but all duties, imposts, and excises shall be uniform throughout the United States;"
One example of general welfare is wanting peace for everyone. Feeding everyone is also considered to be an act of general welfare.
Constitutional authority to provide financial aid is derived from the power to tax and spend. Specifically, Article I, Section 8, Clause 1, states that congress has the power to provide for the general welfare. Educational loans are an aspect of the general welfare of the nation.
Thomas Jefferson
General welfare policies are government policies that affect the general welfare of citizens. This includes things such as health and safety.
To create and enforce laws that promote the general welfare of the US and provide for the defense of the country.
Help maintain and keep the good. General meaning the general man and welfare meaning his wellness
To preserve the general welfare of society.