Which statement best reflects the concept of popular sovereignty?

Which statement best reflects the concept of popular sovereignty?

• A. The state holds sovereignty over the people
• B. Governments derive their power from force
• C. All political power is inherent in the people
• D. Power rests with the courts to determine legitimacy

Answer: (C)

Popular sovereignty means that political power comes from the people. The government gets its authority from the consent of the governed, typically expressed through elections, participation, and the ability of citizens to influence laws and policies. Because the people are the source of authority, legitimacy rests on their will. The statement that political power is inherent in the people captures this idea directly: it emphasizes that the people themselves are the origin of government power. The other options describe power coming from coercion, from the courts, or from the state over the people, which do not reflect the notion that authority derives from the people’s consent and participation.

Popular sovereignty means that political power comes from the people. The government gets its authority from the consent of the governed, typically expressed through elections, participation, and the ability of citizens to influence laws and policies. Because the people are the source of authority, legitimacy rests on their will.

The statement that political power is inherent in the people captures this idea directly: it emphasizes that the people themselves are the origin of government power. The other options describe power coming from coercion, from the courts, or from the state over the people, which do not reflect the notion that authority derives from the people’s consent and participation.