Which American document begins with “We the People,” a foundational text connected to America250?

The United States Constitution begins with “We the People,” a foundational text connected to America250.

The phrase opens the Constitution’s Preamble, which states the purposes of the new government: forming a more perfect union, establishing justice, ensuring domestic tranquility, providing for the common defense, promoting the general welfare, and securing liberty.

The Constitution was drafted and signed in 1787 after the weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation became apparent. It established a federal system with legislative, executive, and judicial branches, along with checks and balances among them.

The Declaration of Independence begins with a different statement about political equality and natural rights. The Bill of Rights is the collective name for the first ten amendments, added in 1791. These documents are closely related in American history, but only the Constitution begins with “We the People.”