The phrase “We the People” shows that only people should govern themselves. It means self-government and popular sovereignty, where citizens choose leaders through voting and can replace them peacefully. Another idea hidden in these words is a consent of the governed that explains that people agree to follow laws they help create, rejecting rule by elites or outsiders. Together, these ideas form a social contract—an agreement where citizens give government limited power to protect their rights and freedoms in return.
Section "Learn and Explore" uses official instructions and media files of US Citizenship and Immigration Services, US National Museum of American History, The Smithsonian Institution and other governmental and public organization.