The famous document that begins with "We the People" is the Constitution of the United States. This foundational legal document was signed on September 17, 1787, and it laid the groundwork for the U.S. government. The phrase emphasizes the idea of popular sovereignty, indicating that the government's authority derives from the consent of the governed. The Constitution consists of seven articles and has been amended multiple times to reflect the evolving values and principles of American society. It defines the structure of the government, the separation of powers, and the rights of the people, making it a cornerstone of American democracy.