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📰 Reading Informational Text: The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution (Grade 9)

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Read the text. Answer using evidence from the text.

The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution

“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.”

Written in 1787, this single sentence introduces the Constitution and states its purposes. Notice the opening words: the government’s authority comes from "We the People," not from a king or from the individual states.

The six goals that follow — union, justice, peace at home, defense, the general welfare and liberty — explain what the new government was created to do. Courts do not treat the Preamble as a source of legal power, but it is often cited as a statement of the nation’s founding ideals.

1. According to the Preamble, who establishes the Constitution?
2. List three purposes named in the Preamble.
3. What does "Posterity" mean?
4. Why is the phrase "We the People" significant?
Central idea
Key detail 1
Key detail 2
Answer key: 1) "We the People of the United States" · 2) more perfect Union, Justice, domestic Tranquility, common defence, general Welfare, Blessings of Liberty · 3) future generations · 4) it shows that the government’s authority comes from the people · Central idea: The Preamble states that the people create the government and lists its founding purposes.
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Worksheets › Grade 9 English › Reading Informational Text › Reading Informational Text

Grade 9 (ages 14–15)Reading comprehensionFree printable PDF

About this grade 9 worksheet

Free Grade 9 English worksheet (Common Core RI.9-10.1): read the informational text "The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution", find the main idea and answer questions with evidence. Skill: Key ideas and details in informational text. Level: Grade 9 — also suits Year 10 (UK).

For teachers: skills & standards

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What age is it for?

It is designed for Grade 9 (ages 14–15), but use it with any child who is ready.

What skills does it build?

Key ideas and details in informational text.

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More “Reading Informational Text” printables (ri.9-10.1–3: key ideas and details in informational text)

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All 5 reading informational text sheets → · Grade 9 English: all 10 skills → · All Common Core grades

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