What are the first three words of the Constitution that represent the idea of self-government?

The phrase "We the People" is significant because it encapsulates the foundational principle of self-government in the United States. By starting the Constitution with these words, the framers emphasized that the authority of the government derives from the consent of the governed. This concept underlines the belief that the power and legitimacy of the government come from the citizens, reflecting a democratic ethos where the people have the ultimate say in the governance of their country.

This idea of self-government is central to the American political system, as it asserts that the people have the right to create, change, and abolish their government when it no longer serves their interests. The phrase also establishes an inclusive notion of nationhood, reminding us that the Constitution was created by citizens to serve all citizens.

In contrast, alternatives like "United States Constitution" or "Government of the People" do not carry the same emphasis on the direct involvement of citizens in governance. "We the States" shifts the focus toward the individual states rather than the people as a collective entity, which diverts from the core principle of popular sovereignty that "We the People" embodies.