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

The phrase "We the People" is significant because it establishes the foundational principle of self-government in the United States. This opening line of the Constitution emphasizes that the authority of the government derives from the consent of the governed, meaning that it is the people who possess the power to shape and form their government.

By beginning with these words, the Constitution reflects the idea that the nation is built on the collective will and determination of its citizens, rather than being imposed by a monarch or external power. This concept of self-government is central to democratic ideology, where the legitimacy of authority comes from the people themselves.

The other options, while they may touch on ideas related to governance and rights, do not encapsulate the core principle of self-governance in the way "We the People" does. For instance, "Life, Liberty, Happiness" refers to the rights outlined in the Declaration of Independence, while "Government of the People" and "For the People" imply a representative government but do not explicitly state the source of governmental power as the people.