What is the preamble of the Constitution?

The preamble of the Constitution serves as the introduction that outlines the document's fundamental purposes and guiding principles. It succinctly lays out the intentions of the Framers by articulating the overarching goals of the Constitution, such as promoting justice, ensuring domestic tranquility, providing for the common defense, and securing the blessings of liberty. This introductory statement sets the tone for the Constitution as it establishes the framework of the government and the relationship between the government and the people. In contrast, the other options refer to different components of the Constitution: the list of amendments corresponds to changes made after the original document was ratified, the articles detail the structure of government, and a concluding statement is not a recognized part of the Constitution's format. Therefore, the focus on the preamble as an introduction is what makes it significant.