What is the significance of the preamble to the Constitution?

The significance of the preamble to the Constitution lies in its role as an introduction that outlines the purpose and guiding principles of the document. It sets the tone for the entire Constitution by expressing the foundational values and intentions behind the establishment of the government. The preamble begins with the well-known phrase "We the People," emphasizing the idea of popular sovereignty, which asserts that the government's power derives from the consent of the governed. It then goes on to articulate the key objectives of the Constitution, such as establishing justice, ensuring domestic tranquility, providing for the common defense, promoting the general welfare, and securing the blessings of liberty. This framework not only defines what the government seeks to achieve but also reflects the fundamental philosophies that underpin American democracy.

The other choices do not accurately capture the essence of the preamble. It does not describe the judicial branch, list states that ratified the Constitution, or contain the Bill of Rights, which both serve different functions within the overall structure of the Constitution.