GED Social Studies TestCivics and GovernmentEasy
The Preamble to the U.S. Constitution begins with the phrase, 'We the People of the United States...' This phrase best illustrates which foundational principle of American government?
- AFederalism
- BSeparation of Powers
- CJudicial Review
- 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 derive from the consent of the governed, which is the essence of popular sovereignty.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Federalism is the division of power between national and state governments.
- B. Separation of Powers refers to dividing governmental authority among different branches.
- C. Judicial Review is the power of courts to determine the constitutionality of laws.
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.
- Power resides in the people.
- Expressed through 'We the People' in the Constitution.
- Underpins democratic governance.
Memory trick: People's Power, Divided Government, Constitutional Rules.