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

The phrase "We the People" encapsulates the principle of self-government as it emphasizes that the authority of the government is derived from the people themselves. This opening line of the preamble to the Constitution signifies that the power to govern rests not with a monarchy or a select few, but with the collective citizenry of the nation. It illustrates the democratic foundation upon which the United States was established, reflecting the belief that government should serve the interests and will of the populace. This concept is fundamental to American democracy, highlighting the people's role as the ultimate source of political power and legitimacy.