the introduction to the constitution

The introduction to the Constitution of the United States is known as the Preamble. It is an introductory statement that outlines the fundamental purposes, aims, and justification of the Constitution. The Preamble begins with the iconic words "We the People" and expresses the goals of forming a more perfect union, establishing justice, ensuring domestic tranquility, providing for the common defense, promoting the general welfare, and securing the blessings of liberty to the people and their posterity. It emphasizes that the authority of the government derives from the people rather than the states, a new and significant concept at the time of drafting in 1787. The Preamble was mainly written by Gouverneur Morris, a delegate to the Constitutional Convention, and was placed at the beginning of the Constitution towards the end of the convention process. It serves as an introduction to the main text of the Constitution, which includes seven articles and 27 amendments, framing the structure and principles of the federal government and protecting individual rights.