The Preamble to the Constitution begins with which phrase?

The Preamble to the Constitution begins with the phrase "We the people." This opening statement is significant because it establishes the foundation of American democracy, emphasizing that the government's authority is derived from the people it governs. It highlights the principle of popular sovereignty, which means that the power and legitimacy of government is granted by the consent of the governed. By starting with "We the people," the Preamble conveys a collective identity for the nation and underscores the idea that the Constitution is a framework created to serve the interests and welfare of all citizens.

In contrast, the other phrases, while important in their own context, do not represent the actual opening words of the Preamble. "In order to form a more perfect union" follows the initial phrase and outlines one of the goals of the Constitution, while "To promote the general welfare" reflects another purpose mentioned later in the Preamble. Neither captures the foundational sentiment conveyed by the phrase "We the people," which sets the tone for the entire document.