Directions
After reading the preamble to the Constitution of the United States, use a dictionary (book form or online form such as http://www.dictionary.com) to define the vocabulary words.

Preamble
We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, 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.

Vocabulary

1. union (noun) – A combination so formed, especially an alliance or confederation of people, parties or political entities for mutual interest or benefit.

2. insure (verb) – To make sure, certain or secure.

3. domestic (adjective) – Of or relating to a country’s internal affairs.

4. tranquility (noun) – A disposition free from stress or emotion.

5. defense (noun) – A means or method of defending or protecting.

6. welfare (noun) – Health, happiness and good fortune; well-being.

7. liberty (noun) – The condition of being free from restriction or control.

8. posterity (noun) – Future generations.

9. ordain (verb) – To order by virtue of superior authority; decree or enact.

10. establish (verb) – To set up.

11. constitution (noun) – The system of fundamental laws and principles that prescribes the nature, functions and limits of a government or another institution.

12. Constitution of the United States of America (noun) – The fundamental law of the United States, framed in 1787, ratified in 1789 and variously amended since then.

Acquisition of Vocabulary Worksheet (PDF File)