Which statement best describes popular sovereignty?

• A. The government derives its power from a monarch.
• B. The people give government its power by voting or participating.
• C. Only the Supreme Court determines government power.
• D. The president makes all policy decisions without consent.

Answer: (B)

Popular sovereignty means that government gets its authority from the people. It holds that citizens have the power to shape and limit government through voting, running for office, and participating in civic life. That’s why the statement describing the people giving government its power by voting or participating is the best description. When people vote and participate, they are giving consent to be governed and holding leaders accountable. In contrast, a system that derives power from a monarch, or one where power is determined only by courts, or one where a single leader makes all decisions without consent, does not reflect that the government’s legitimacy comes from the people’s consent and participation.