What is the concept of popular sovereignty?

The concept of popular sovereignty is fundamentally about the legitimacy of government being rooted in the will of the people. This principle is central to democratic governance and asserts that the authority of the government comes from the consent of the citizens. In essence, it means that the people have the ultimate power to influence and determine the rules and policies under which they choose to be governed. This idea emerged prominently during the Enlightenment and was a driving force behind the establishment of democratic systems, particularly in the context of the United States.

This contrasts sharply with other concepts, such as a government being accountable to a monarch, which misplaces authority away from the populace. Additionally, the notion of restricting voting goes against the very essence of popular sovereignty, which emphasizes inclusivity and the participation of the citizenry in the political process. Lastly, the idea of an executive with absolute power is antithetical to popular sovereignty, as it undermines the belief that government should be answerable to the people, rather than holding unchecked authority.

Thus, the principle that the authority of government derives from the consent of the governed accurately represents popular sovereignty and captures the essence of democratic governance.