U.S. Citizenship Civics TestPrinciples of American DemocracyHard
The U.S. Constitution begins with 'We the People.' This phrase establishes a fundamental principle that the government's authority comes from the citizens. What is this principle called, which emphasizes that the power to govern is derived from the consent of the governed?
- APopular sovereignty
- BChecks and balances
- CJudicial review
- DFederalism
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Popular sovereignty
The phrase 'We the People' at the beginning of the Constitution signifies popular sovereignty, the principle that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, who are the source of all political power.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Checks and balances prevent power concentration, but don't define the source of that power.
- C. Judicial review is the power of courts to determine constitutionality, not the source of government authority.
- D. Federalism is the division of power between national and state governments.
Popular Sovereignty (We the People)
The principle that the authority of a state and its government are created and sustained by the consent of its people, through their elected representatives, who are the source of all political power. 'We the People' embodies this idea.
- Government's power originates from the people.
- Expressed through voting and citizen participation.
- Foundational principle of American democracy.
Memory trick: The 'pop' in popularity comes from the people's consent.