What is the phrase that represents the idea of self-government in the constitution?

The phrase "We the people" is foundational to the concept of self-government as articulated in the U.S. Constitution. This phrase serves to emphasize that the authority of the government derives from the collective will of the citizens, which reflects the principles of democracy and popular sovereignty.

By beginning with "We the people," the Constitution establishes that it is the citizens who grant power to the government and that the government is accountable to them. This intrinsic link reinforces the idea that citizens have the right to govern themselves, make decisions collectively, and participate actively in the democratic process.

While the other phrases have significant historical and philosophical importance—"All men are created equal" speaks to the inherent rights of individuals, "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness" captures the essence of individual rights and freedoms articulated in the Declaration of Independence, and "Government of the people" suggests a governance model that serves the interests of the citizenry—they do not encapsulate the foundational notion of self-government as directly as "We the people." This place in the Constitution makes it clear that the power resides with the citizens, underscoring the principle of self-governance.