Final answer:
The first three words of the Constitution, 'We the People', encapsulate the principle of Popular Sovereignty, indicating that the government's power originates from the people's will.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first three words of the Constitution's 'We the People' reflect the fundamental principle of Popular Sovereignty. This concept underscores the idea that all government power is derived from the consent of the governed. It signifies that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the will of its people, who are the source of political power. Not to be confused with concepts such as Limited Government, Separation of Powers, or Federalism, Popular Sovereignty emphasizes the role of the people in empowering and legitimizing the government.
In the context of the United States, 'We the People' embodies the framework of a republic where the citizens exercise their power through elected representatives. The colonists' rejection of monarchal rule and the subsequent creation of a government that was accountable to its citizens gave rise to a system where sovereignty rested with the people themselves. This principle is fundamental to democracy and is as critical today as it was at the founding of America.