Which principle means the people hold the ultimate authority in government?

• A. Popular sovereignty
• B. Rule of law
• C. Federalism
• D. Checks and balances

Answer: (A)

Popular sovereignty means that the people are the ultimate source of government authority. In a system built on this idea, citizens grant legitimacy to rulers through elections and participation, and the government derives its power from the consent of the governed. When the people are unhappy with how things are running, they can change leadership or policy through voting, demonstrating that the authority rests with the people, not with a chosen few or a permanent institution.

The other principles describe how power is limited or arranged rather than where it ultimately comes from: rule of law means everyone, including those in power, must follow the law; federalism describes the division of power between national and state governments; checks and balances shows how different branches restrain one another to prevent the abuse of power.