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

The phrase "We the People" is significant as it embodies the foundational concept of self-government that is central to the United States Constitution. By starting the document with these words, the framers emphasize that the authority of the government derives from the consent of the governed, meaning that it is the citizens who hold the power and determine how they are ruled. This opening phrase establishes a democratic principle, highlighting that the people, rather than a monarchy or ruling elite, are the source of legitimate governmental authority.

In contrast, other phrases might reflect democratic values or rights but do not encapsulate the same essence of self-governance. "Government of the people" and "For the people, by the people" speak to the nature and function of government but do not present the explicit idea of the people as the source of power. The phrase "All men are created equal," while important in articulating ideals of equality and rights, does not directly address the structure of self-government as "We the People" does. Thus, the opening words of the Constitution clearly establish that the power of government comes from the people themselves.