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

The phrase "We the People" is significant because it encapsulates the foundation of democratic governance in the United States. This opening line declares that the legitimacy of the government comes from the people themselves, emphasizing the principle of popular sovereignty. It indicates that the authority of the government is derived from the consent of the governed, which is a core tenet of democracy. This fundamental idea asserts that citizens play a crucial role in shaping their government, reflecting the belief that power originates with the populace, rather than a monarch or an elite ruling class.

The other choices, while relevant to various aspects of government and society, do not convey this essential concept of self-government as directly as "We the People" does. "Maintain the Order," for example, speaks to a specific function of government rather than its foundational philosophy. "Form a More Perfect Union" hints at the goal of unity among states but does not explicitly express the source of governmental power. "In Congress Assembled" refers to a specific body of the government, rather than the broader concept of self-government rooted in the people's authority.