An introduction to the Introduction, "by definition". ;-)
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.
Preamble:
- an introductory statement; especially : the introductory part of a constitution or statute that usually states the reasons for and intent of the law.
And what are the reasons and intents? In Order to:
More perfect, not
completely perfect:
utopia
- : an imaginary and indefinitely remote place
- often capitalized : a place of ideal perfection especially in laws, government, and social conditions
- : an impractical scheme for social improvement
justice:
- the maintenance or administration of what is just especially by the impartial adjustment of conflicting claims or the assignment of merited rewards or punishments.
Tranquil:
- a : free from agitation of mind or spirit
- b : free from disturbance or turmoil
defense:
-
- a : the act or action of defending
- b : a defendant's denial, answer, or plea
-
- a : capability of resisting attack
- b : defensive play or ability
-
- a : means or method of defending or protecting oneself, one's team, or another; also : a defensive structure
- b : an argument in support or justification
- c : the collected facts and method adopted by a defendant to protect and defend against a plaintiff's action
- d : a sequence of moves available in chess to the second player in the opening
-
- a : a defending party or group (as in a court of law)
- b : a defensive team
- : the military and industrial aggregate that authorizes and supervises arms production
Welfare:
- the state of doing well especially in respect to good fortune, happiness, well-being, or prosperity.
Liberty:
- the quality or state of being free:
- a : the power to do as one pleases
- b : freedom from physical restraint
- c : freedom from arbitrary or despotic control
- d : the positive enjoyment of various social, political, or economic rights and privileges
- e : the power of choice
- a : a right or immunity enjoyed by prescription or by grant : privilege
While the body of the Constitution defines the structure, authorities, and parameters of government, the preamble defines the purpose and responsibilities of that government.