What does the Preamble of the United States Constitution state?

A
preamble in general serves as an opening statement that describes
the primary purpose of the document that follows. It is not unlike an introductory paragraph to
a literary essay. The text to the Preamble of the United States
Constiturion is as follows:

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.

It follows the format
of a traditional preamble by stating the reasons, purposes, intentions and philosophy for the
drafting of the Constitution. Its intent includes the search for justice, tranquility, national
defense, and liberty. Judicially, the preamble has little power in the courts; instead, it is
recognized for the "spirit" it exudes, and the courts generally "express a
preference for broad interpretations of individual freedoms."