Preamble

The Preamble to the Constitution is an introductory, succinct statement of the principles at work in the full text.   It is referred to in countless speeches, judicial opinions, and in a song from Schoolhouse Rock.  Courts will not interpret the Preamble to confer any rights or powers not granted specifically in the Constitution.

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We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, 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.