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

The phrase "We the People" is significant because it establishes the foundational concept of democracy and self-government in the United States. By beginning the Constitution with these words, it emphasizes that the authority of the government derives from the consent of the governed. The inclusion of "We the People" reflects the idea that the power and legitimacy of the government come from the people themselves, rather than being imposed upon them by a monarch or other authoritarian figure. This principle is central to American democracy and highlights the importance of individual participation and representation within the government.

Other phrases, such as "In God We Trust," are associated with national values but do not encapsulate the concept of self-governance in the same way. "Life, Liberty, Happiness" is rooted in the Declaration of Independence and eloquently expresses fundamental rights, but it does not emphasize the collective and participatory aspect of governance like the opening words of the Constitution do. The phrase "We are United" suggests a sense of national unity, though it is not the formal language used to outline the role of the people in government.