1. 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 Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.

2. We the People of the United States
Defines the American nation as a single entity, created by the people, not the states

3. In Order to Form a More Perfect Union
“More perfect means better and stronger in a particular way
“Union” means working together
To make a new form of government in which a state surrenders a portion of their sovereign power to the national government for certain explicit purposes

4. Establish Justice Create a legal system as a whole
Develop the abstract idea of fairness

5. Insure Domestic Tranquility
Instead of taking up arms against unpopular government measures, creating peace is more important
Peace and quiet at home

6. Provide for the Common Defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity
Provide for the Common Defense: Congress and the President are given the power to provide for that defense, and the President, also commander in chief of the military forces, is both constitutionally and morally obligated to “preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States.”
Promote the general welfare: the governing body may enact laws to promote ideas for public well-being
Secure the blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity: to help protect the country's hard-earned rights for liberty, unjust laws, and freedom from a tyrannical government.

7. Do ordain and establish this Constitution
The words make explicit the source of the Constitution’s legitimacy
It is created for certain specific purposes
The people have the right to institute new Government laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form as to them shall seem likely to effect their Safety and Happiness

8. For the United States of America
This Constitution is for all members living in the United States