Definition and Purpose of a Preamble | Generated by AI
Question: What does “preamble” mean?
Answer:
A preamble is an introductory statement or section that explains the purpose, background, or reasons for a document, law, speech, or agreement.
Key Characteristics
- It comes at the beginning.
- It is not usually legally binding (except in rare cases).
- It sets the context and guides how the rest of the document should be understood.
Common Examples
- Constitution: The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution starts with “We the People…” and states the goals of the government (e.g., justice, liberty, defense).
- Laws/Statutes: Many laws begin with a preamble that explains why the law was created.
- Contracts/Agreements: A short opening paragraph that describes the parties and the purpose of the contract.
- Speeches or Reports: An opening part that outlines what will be discussed.
Simple Definition in One Sentence
A preamble is the opening part of an important document that tells you why it exists and what it aims to achieve.
Word Origin
From Latin praeambulus (“walking in front”).
If you have a specific context (e.g., a certain constitution, law, or document), feel free to provide it for a more detailed explanation!