What is the primary purpose of the Preamble to the Constitution?

The primary purpose of the Preamble to the Constitution is to establish the goals of the government. It serves as an introduction that succinctly articulates the foundational principles and intentions behind the establishment of the Constitution. The Preamble famously begins with "We the People" and goes on to outline objectives such as forming a more perfect union, establishing justice, ensuring domestic tranquility, promoting the general welfare, and securing the blessings of liberty. This sets the tone for the document and conveys the reasons for creating a government that functions effectively for its citizens.

In contrast, outlining the Bill of Rights is accomplished in the subsequent amendments rather than in the Preamble. Introducing the legislative branch is specifically done later in the main body of the Constitution. Additionally, while states' rights are addressed within the Constitution, they are not defined in the Preamble, which focuses more on broad governmental goals and purposes.