Preamble
Constitution of the United States
Official text
We the People of the United States, in Order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
In plain English
The Preamble states who is acting and why: "We the People" (not the state governments, and not a king) establish the Constitution to form a stronger union, secure justice and peace, provide for defense and the general welfare, and "secure the Blessings of Liberty" for themselves and their descendants. It grants no power by itself; it explains the purpose of the powers granted in the articles that follow.
Plain-English summary drafted by Christian Vote USA; editor review pending. Always read the official text above.
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