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

The phrase "We the People" serves as a powerful introductory statement to the Constitution, encapsulating the foundational principle of self-government in the United States. By specifying "the People," it emphasizes that authority and governance derive from the citizens rather than a monarch or an external entity. This phrase establishes the notion that the government is created by and for the people, highlighting the concept of popular sovereignty, where the legislative and governing powers rest with the populace.

In contrast, the other choices do not convey the same essence of self-government. For instance, "We the Citizens" restricts the concept to a specific group, excluding those not classified as citizens, while "We the Government" implies that the government itself holds the power, which contradicts the principle that it is the citizens who empower the government. Similarly, "We the States" suggests a focus on state sovereignty rather than the collective authority of the citizens, further diverging from the foundational idea of a government established by and accountable to the people.