U.S. Citizenship Civics TestPrinciples of American DemocracyEasy
A new immigrant is studying for the civics test and learns that the U.S. government is founded on the principle of 'self-government.' Which phrase from the Constitution best reflects this idea?
- AWe the People
- BEstablish Justice
- CTo form a more perfect Union
- DSecure the Blessings of Liberty
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. We the People
The phrase 'We the People' at the beginning of the Constitution signifies that the power and authority of the government come from the citizens themselves, embodying the concept of self-government.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This describes a function of the government, not its origin from the people.
- C. This phrase describes a goal of the Constitution, not the source of government power.
- D. This describes a benefit the Constitution aims to provide, not the source of governing power.
Self-Government
The idea that the authority of government comes from the consent of the governed, or the people.
- Expressed in 'We the People'
- Foundation of U.S. democracy
- Citizens hold ultimate power
Memory trick: People's Power Pledges Perpetual Progress.