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

The phrase "We the People" at the beginning of the Constitution encapsulates the essence of self-government and democratic principles. It emphasizes that the authority of the government derives from the people, rather than from a monarch or an external power. This phrase indicates that the people are the ultimate source of power and legitimacy in the United States. It highlights the foundational idea that the government's role is to serve and represent the interests and will of its citizens.

This notion of self-governance is a core principle of democracy, reinforcing the belief that the government exists to safeguard the rights and welfare of the populace. The inclusion of "We the People" signals the intent to create a government accountable to its citizens, thereby establishing a social contract that the government is responsible for upholding the rights and liberties of all individuals.