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

The first three words of the Constitution, "We the People," represent the fundamental principle of self-government and popular sovereignty. This phrase signifies that the authority of the government derives from the consent of the governed, emphasizing that the people are the source of political power. It conveys the idea that the Constitution is established by the citizens of the United States for their own benefit, reflecting the democratic values of participation and representation.

The other phrases do not capture this essence of self-government in the same way. "All men are created equal," while a significant principle, comes from the Declaration of Independence rather than the Constitution. "United we stand" evokes a sense of national solidarity but does not directly address the concept of government by the people. "In order to form a more perfect union" refers to the goals of the Constitution but lacks the direct expression of authority stemming from the people themselves. Therefore, "We the People" is key in understanding the foundational concept of self-governance established in the Constitution.