GED Social Studies TestCivics and GovernmentMedium
The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution begins with the phrase, 'We the People of the United States...' This opening phrase most clearly establishes which fundamental principle of American government?
- AFederalism
- BJudicial review
- CSeparation of powers
- DPopular sovereignty
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Popular sovereignty
The phrase 'We the People' signifies that the power and authority of the government originate from the consent of the governed, which is the definition of popular sovereignty. It asserts that the people are the ultimate source of governmental power.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Federalism is the division of power between national and state governments, not directly conveyed by 'We the People'.
- B. Judicial review is the power of courts to determine constitutionality, a function of the judiciary, not the foundational source of government power.
- C. Separation of powers divides government into branches, which is a structural principle, not directly related to the source of authority.
Popular Sovereignty
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.
- Expressed in 'We the People' of the Constitution
- Government's legitimacy comes from the governed
- Foundation of democratic governance
Memory trick: P.S. = 'People's Say' in government.