The idea of self-government is found in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?

The phrase "We the People" appears at the start of the Constitution and encapsulates the idea of self-government. This phrase emphasizes that the authority of the government derives from the citizens rather than being imposed by an external force or monarch. It reflects the foundational principle of democracy, wherein the people's will guides the structure and functioning of the government. This idea is essential to understanding the United States' political philosophy, which prioritizes the role of the citizenry in shaping their governance and societal norms.