USCIS 128:04. The U.S. Constitution starts with the words “We the People.” What does “We the People” mean?

OpenAI. (2026). The U.S. Constitution starts with the words “We the People.” What does “We the People” mean?   [AI-generated infographic]. OpenAI.  Edited by Jennifer Gagliardi

The U.S. Constitution begins with the words “We the People.” This means the power of the government comes from the people. The people are the true owners of the government. Leaders do not rule by force. They rule because the people choose them.

This idea is called self-government and popular sovereignty. Self-government means people govern themselves. Popular sovereignty means the people are the highest authority in the country. Through voting and elections, citizens decide who will make laws and lead the nation.

“We the People” also shows the consent of the governed. This means the government exists only because the people agree to it. When citizens follow the law and vote, they give their permission for the government to act.

This idea is like a social contract. The people agree to follow the laws, and the government agrees to protect their rights. In this way, the people and the government work together to govern the country.