Preamble to the Constitution

Preamble

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.

domestic

at home; not foreign; United States

posterity

future generations; descendants; heirs

tranquility

peace; calm; serenity

ordain

to establish by law

"To promote the general Welfare"

to help people live healthy, happy, and prosperous lives

"To insure domestic Tranquility"

to maintain peace and order in society

"To establish Justice"

to make certain that all citizens are treated equally

"To provide for the common defense"

to protect the country and its citizens from attack

"To secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity"

to protect the rights of citizens and future generations

"To form a more perfect Union"

to unite the states so they can operate as a single nation

welfare

well-being; health; happiness