For people who want to stay informed without losing heart.
You’re tired of feeling like staying aware means staying angry. You want to know what’s really happening and why it matters, and to trust that being engaged can still feel like an act of hope.
That’s why we started The Preamble.
People who understand what's happening make better choices – and a better country.
What people are saying
“This keeps me engaged in politics without making me want to throw my phone at someone.” -Shelley
“Fact-based, balanced, and refreshingly reasonable. Sharon brings history and politics to life with the clarity of a great teacher. No drama. Just the facts.” -Xuan
“Insightful explanations of how government works and what to pay attention to in the news.” -Lauren
How The Preamble began
In the middle of a chaotic news cycle in 2020, Sharon McMahon saw what millions of others felt: staying up to date and caring about your neighbor shouldn’t come at the cost of your sanity. That idea became the founding spark of The Preamble.
The Preamble is a reader-supported weekly digital magazine. We don’t chase clickbait headlines or tell you that the sky is falling every morning. Instead, our deep, accessible insights on topics you truly care about help you feel informed, confident, and ready to engage in meaningful conversations.
What started as one voice explaining the Electoral College grew into the most trusted platform for civic education, courageous curiosity, and community-led action. In its first year, The Preamble reached a larger weekly distribution than nearly every print newspaper in the United States.
About our founder
Sharon McMahon is a #1 New York Times bestselling author, award-winning educator, and founder of The Preamble. Known to millions as “America's Government Teacher,” she is the author of The Small and the Mighty (chosen as one of the “best books of the year” by multiple outlets), host of The Preamble Podcast (Top 1% globally), and the founder of a social impact community that has raised over $12.5 million for charitable causes.
Sharon is also a founding partner of Builders, a national movement for critical thinking, alongside Daniel Lubetzky, Adam Grant, and José Andrés.
Why The Preamble is special
- One deeply researched topic each week, presented from a variety of perspectives.
- Readers help guide our editorial decisions by suggesting what to cover.