United States Constitution

Preamble

The Preamble to the United States Constitution consists of a single sentence that introduces the document and its purpose. The Preamble itself neither grants any powers nor inhibits any actions. It only explains the rationale behind the Constitution. The preamble, especially the first three words ("We the people"), is one of the most often-quoted and referenced sections of the Constitution.

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The Preamble lists five purposes for the Constitution:

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• Providing for better cooperation among the states
• Ensuring justice and peace
• Providing for defense against invasion
• Promote the general well being of the population
• Securing liberties now and in the future