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Question 4 of 128 American Government

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

Answers USCIS accepts

  • Self-government
  • Popular sovereignty
  • Consent of the governed
  • People should govern themselves
  • (Example of) social contract

Give any one of these answers at your interview.

"We the People" means self-government: the government's power comes from the people.

What it means

The first three words of the Constitution show where the government gets its power: from the people, not from a king. This idea is called popular sovereignty or consent of the governed.

It means citizens agree to be governed, and in return the government must serve them. Citizens take part by voting, serving on juries and holding leaders accountable.

Any one answer is accepted. "Self-government" or "People should govern themselves" are the easiest to say clearly.

First page of the U.S. Constitution beginning with the words We the People, signed in 1787
The U.S. Constitution, page 1 (1787). National Archives. Public domain (U.S. National Archives), via Wikimedia Commons.

Memory tip: "We the People" = the people are the boss.

Quiz yourself

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

Multiple choice is for study only. The real civics test is spoken: the officer asks, you answer out loud.

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Official source: USCIS M-1778 (09/25), 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version). Last checked: .