Which principle asserts that the government's power derives from the consent of the governed?

Which principle asserts that the government's power derives from the consent of the governed?

• A. Popular sovereignty
• B. Separation of powers
• C. Federalism
• D. Rule of law

Answer: (A)

Popular sovereignty is the idea that government power comes from the consent of the governed. In a political system, the people authorize authority through their participation—voting, running for office, and accepting or withdrawing support for leaders and laws. This consent gives legitimacy to the government, and when people demand change, they can express it through elections or other peaceful means. In the United States, this principle is echoed in “We the People” and in the practice of choosing representatives and periodically renewing consent through elections. This concept is the best fit because it identifies where governmental authority originates: from the people. The other principles describe how government operates once power exists. Separation of powers explains how authority is divided among branches to prevent tyranny; federalism describes the division of power between national and state governments; and the rule of law means everyone, including those in power, is bound by law.

Popular sovereignty is the idea that government power comes from the consent of the governed. In a political system, the people authorize authority through their participation—voting, running for office, and accepting or withdrawing support for leaders and laws. This consent gives legitimacy to the government, and when people demand change, they can express it through elections or other peaceful means. In the United States, this principle is echoed in “We the People” and in the practice of choosing representatives and periodically renewing consent through elections.

This concept is the best fit because it identifies where governmental authority originates: from the people. The other principles describe how government operates once power exists. Separation of powers explains how authority is divided among branches to prevent tyranny; federalism describes the division of power between national and state governments; and the rule of law means everyone, including those in power, is bound by law.