Which phrase represents the idea of self-government in the Constitution?

The phrase "We the People" encapsulates the fundamental principle of self-government as articulated in the Constitution. This opening line of the Preamble emphasizes that the authority of the government derives from the people it serves. It signifies that citizens are not only subjects of governance but active participants who hold the power to influence and shape their government.

By stating "We the People," the Constitution establishes that it is the collective will of the populace that legitimizes governmental power and decisions, reinforcing the idea that governance should reflect the consent and best interests of the governed. This idea forms the cornerstone of democratic governance, where elected officials are accountable to the citizens.

The other options touch on important principles and concepts related to governance and rights but do not encapsulate the idea of self-government as precisely as "We the People." For instance, "Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Happiness" reflects individual rights but doesn’t specifically denote the mechanism of how the government is formed or operates. "Government by the Consent of the Governed" is a pertinent concept, yet it is not a direct phrase from the Constitution itself. Lastly, "Four score and seven years ago" references a historical speech and does not relate directly to self-government within the context of the Constitution.