What is the purpose of the Preamble to the Constitution?

The purpose of the Preamble to the Constitution is to outline the goals and purposes of the document. It serves as an introductory statement that conveys the intentions behind the Constitution, highlighting the fundamental principles and objectives that the framers aimed to achieve. The Preamble sets the tone for the articles that follow, emphasizing ideals such as justice, domestic tranquility, common defense, general welfare, and the blessings of liberty. This foundational text helps readers understand the overarching aspirations of the Constitution and the rationale for the establishment of the government it describes.

The other options do not accurately represent the function of the Preamble. While declaring independence from Britain is significant in American history, that declaration is found in the Declaration of Independence, not the Constitution. The listing of amendments is found in the Constitution’s amendments section, and the Bill of Rights specifically refers to the first ten amendments ratified after the Constitution was originally adopted. These elements are critical to the Constitution, but they do not reflect the intent or function of the Preamble itself.