The U.S. Constitution starts with the words “We the People.” What does “We the People” mean?

Answers from the USCIS list

Give one of these answers. Words in light (parentheses) are optional.

• Self-government
• Popular sovereignty
• Consent of the governed
• People should govern themselves
• optional: (Example of) social contract

Our explanation

"We the People" are the first three words of the Constitution. These words show the idea of self-government. The people are not ruled by a king or queen. They govern themselves by electing representatives.

Remember it

WE the People: we rule ourselves, not a king. That is self-government.

Source

USCIS 2025 Study Guide p. 9: "the people of the United States will have self-government... The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution."

• 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version), M-1778 (09/25) (PDF, USCIS)

Last checked on September 29, 2026.

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