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

The phrase "We the people" is significant because it embodies the principle of popular sovereignty, which is the foundation of self-government. This concept indicates that the authority of the government is derived from the citizenry, and that the power of government is granted by the consent of the governed. By starting the Constitution with these words, the framers emphasized that the government is established to serve the interests and will of the people, rather than existing for its own sake or being imposed from above.

In contrast, the other phrases encapsulate different aspects of governance and rights but do not directly express the idea of self-government in the same way. "With liberty and justice" signifies the goals of justice and freedom but does not directly relate to the source of governmental authority. "In order to form" refers to the purpose of establishing government but lacks the focus on the people’s role in that process. "We hold these truths" speaks to the principles of equality and rights but is more aligned with philosophical assertions rather than the fundamental notion of self-governance. Thus, "We the people" distinctly stands out as the embodiment of the idea that the power rests with the citizens.