We the People: The Preamble

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Four of America's greatest Presidents were carved into the face of Mount Rushmore: (from L) George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln. Mount Rushmore is in South Dakota. (Photo: Joseph Sohm; Visions of America/Corbis)

The first sentence of the Constitution is called the 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 Blessing of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity. Do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

The preamble does not grant or restrict powers. It explains the purpose of the Constitution and sets the stage for the first 7 articles and the first 10 amendments, known as the Bill of Rights, that follow.

The first three words of the preamble, "We the People," may be the three most important words in the history of American democracy!

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Celebrate Constitution Day
The main body of the Constitution is made up of seven articles. The Articles explain how the government works. They also carefully describe the rules for electing government officials, like Senators and the President.

Celebrate Constitution Day
The United States Constitution has 27 Amendments. The first 10 Amendments to the Constitution are called the Bill of Rights. The Bill of Rights was ratified, or approved, in 1791. It outlines the basic rights and freedoms of American citizens.

Celebrate Constitution Day
As one of America's most treasured documents, the U.S. Constitution has always attracted its fair share of admirers. But on a wintry December morning in 1952, the historic piece of parchment was the toast of a ceremony fit for a king. Now safely encased for generations to come, the U.S. Constitution remains as powerful today as it was when the Founders first penned it two centuries ago.