Section: American Government: Principles
4. The U.S. Constitution starts with the words "We the People." What does "We the People" mean?
Official answer
- • Self-government
- • Popular sovereignty
- • Consent of the governed
- • People should govern themselves
- • (Example of) social contract
Why
"We the People" expresses self-government: the government's power comes from the consent of the people.
Answers verified against USCIS materials. Last checked 2026-07-17.
Official source: USCIS — 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025)