What principle is established by the phrase "We the people"?

The phrase "We the people" is foundational to the concept of self-governance in the United States. It signifies that the authority of the government derives from the will of the people, underlining the democratic principle that the citizens are the ultimate source of political power. This concept is central to the U.S. Constitution and reflects the nation's commitment to representative democracy, where elected officials act on behalf of the people. By starting the Constitution with this phrase, it emphasizes the role of individuals in shaping their government and participating in the political process, reinforcing that the government exists to serve its citizens.

In contrast, while federalism refers to the distribution of power between national and state governments, checks and balances relate to the system designed to ensure that no branch of government becomes too powerful. Judicial review pertains to the courts' ability to invalidate laws that are unconstitutional. These principles are all critical to the functioning of the U.S. government, but they do not encapsulate the essence of "We the people" in the same way that self-governance does.