Question 4: The U.S. Constitution starts with the words "We the People." What does "We the People" mean?
Official answers (any one counts)
USCIS accepts any of these answers. If the question asks for more than one, give as many as it asks.
- Self-government
- Popular sovereignty
- Consent of the governed
- People should govern themselves
- (Example of) social contract
Grandpa explains
The power comes from the people, kiddo. The people govern themselves.
Careful: these are NOT the answer
These are the common mix-ups. The app uses them as traps so you practice.
- Rule by a king
- Rule by the army
- Rule by the rich
On the 2008 test this is question 3
If you filed your N-400 before October 20, 2025, you take the 2008 version. Which one is mine?
The idea of self-government is in the first three words of the Constitution. What are these words?
- We the People
Video lesson on this topic: The Supreme Law
More questions on this topic
- 5How are changes made to the U.S. Constitution?
- 6What does the Bill of Rights protect?
- 7How many amendments does the U.S. Constitution have? ★
- 8Why is the Declaration of Independence important?
- 9What founding document said the American colonies were free from Britain?
- 10Name two important ideas from the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.
Official sources:
- USCIS · 128 Civics Questions and Answers (2025 version), M-1778 (09/25) ↗ · checked October 6, 2026
The plain explanation is ours; the official answers are USCIS's, word for word.