What does popular sovereignty emphasize?

Popular sovereignty emphasizes the principle that the authority of a government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, typically through their elected representatives. This concept is foundational in democratic systems, signifying that the legitimacy of governmental power derives from the will of the people.

In the context of democratic governance, popular sovereignty asserts that citizens have the ultimate say in political decisions, which can be expressed through mechanisms like voting in elections, referenda, and other forms of civic engagement. This principle is rooted in the belief that governments should reflect the desires and interests of their constituents, thereby ensuring accountability and responsiveness.

The other options may represent different political or economic systems that do not align with the core idea of popular sovereignty. For example, a free economy focuses on market operation without government interference, which does not inherently connect to the notion of government by the consent of its people. Centrally planned government implies a system where decisions are made by a central authority, potentially sidelining individual consent. An absolute monarchy is a form of government where one ruler holds total power, contradicting the idea that authority derives from the people. Thus, the emphasis of popular sovereignty is distinctly on government by consent of the governed, making it the most fitting answer.