GED Social Studies TestCivics and GovernmentHard
A political scientist is examining the concept of popular sovereignty in contemporary American politics. They observe that public opinion polls frequently influence policy debates and that elected officials often cite public sentiment when making decisions. This demonstrates that in a system of popular sovereignty, the ultimate authority rests with the:
- ASupreme Court
- BPeople
- CPresident
- DStates
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. People
Popular sovereignty is 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. Therefore, the ultimate authority rests with the people.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. The Supreme Court interprets laws, but its authority is derived from the Constitution, which itself is an expression of the people's will.
- C. The President is an elected representative whose power is derived from the people, not the ultimate authority himself.
- D. States have reserved powers, but their authority within the federal system is also ultimately derived from the people through the Constitution.
Popular Sovereignty
A doctrine in political theory that government is created by and subject to the will of the people, who are the source of all political power.
- Power resides in the people.
- Government's legitimacy from consent of the governed.
- Expressed through voting and public opinion.
Memory trick: Popular Sovereignty means the 'People' are the boss.