Which principle describes government power derived from the consent of the governed?

• A. Federalism.
• B. Separation of powers.
• C. Popular sovereignty.
• D. Checks and balances.

Answer: (C)

The idea that government power comes from the consent of the governed is about popular sovereignty. It means legitimacy rests with the people, who authorize the government to rule through elections, public participation, and shared agreement to accept laws and leaders. In the United States, this is reflected in the people’s role in choosing representatives and shaping government, echoed in notions like “We the People” and the principle that authority derives from the people. Other options describe how power is organized (federalism, separating powers, or creating checks and balances) rather than where that authority originates, so they explain structure and limits rather than the source of governmental legitimacy.