Constitution Cards

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Preamble: We the People

Signed September 17, 1787 ยท in force from 1789

In plain English

The opening sentence says who is creating the government (the people, not the states or a king) and why: to unite the country, keep justice and peace, defend it, help everyone thrive and protect liberty for future generations.

Original 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.

Plain-English summaries are simplified for learning. Courts interpret these words in detail; this is general information, not legal advice.

Source: National Archives