Multiple Choice Question

In a democracy, from where does the power to govern derive?
A.
hereditary rights

B.
ownership of the land

C.
the claim to divine right

D.
the people being governed

D. the people being governed

D. the people being governed

The correct answer is D. the people being governed.

In a democracy, the power to govern derives from the people being governed. Democracy is a form of government where the ultimate authority lies with the citizens. This means that the people collectively make decisions, either directly or through elected representatives, and have the power to choose their leaders and influence the governing process.

To arrive at this answer, it is important to understand the basic principles of democracy and the concept of popular sovereignty. Popular sovereignty means that the people are the source of political power and that government exists to serve their interests. This principle is a fundamental aspect of democratic systems, where the authority of the government is derived from the consent and will of the people.

By eliminating the other options, we can determine that hereditary rights, ownership of the land, or claims to divine right are not sources of power in a democracy. These concepts are more closely associated with other forms of government, such as monarchy, feudalism, or theocracy, where power is derived from inheritance, land ownership, or religious authority.

Therefore, the source of power in a democracy is the people being governed.