Which of the following best explains how governmental authority is limited by popular sovereignty
A. Governmental authority is subject to veto of the people.
B. Governmental authority cannot enforce laws without consent.
C. Governmental authority is limited by the consent of the people.
D. Governmental authority is limited by congressional decree.
C. Governmental authority is limited by the consent of the people.
To determine which of the options best explains how governmental authority is limited by popular sovereignty, let's analyze each option and see which one aligns with the concept of popular sovereignty.
A. Governmental authority is subject to veto of the people.
This option suggests that the people have the power to veto or reject government decisions. While this could be one way to limit governmental authority, it does not necessarily imply popular sovereignty, which is the idea that the government's power is derived from and subject to the will of the people.
B. Governmental authority cannot enforce laws without consent.
This option states that the government cannot enforce laws without the consent of the people. This aligns well with the concept of popular sovereignty, as it implies that the government's authority is contingent upon the consent of the governed. So, this may be a possible answer.
C. Governmental authority is limited by the consent of the people.
This option directly mentions the consent of the people. Popular sovereignty clearly involves the idea that the people have the power to grant or withdraw their consent to be governed. Therefore, this option also aligns with the concept of popular sovereignty.
D. Governmental authority is limited by congressional decree.
This option suggests that governmental authority is limited by decisions made by the Congress. While the Congress is an important part of a democratic system, popular sovereignty implies that the ultimate power rests with the people, not just with one branch of government.
Based on this analysis, both options B and C align with the concept of popular sovereignty. However, option C more explicitly states that governmental authority is limited by the consent of the people, making it the better choice. Therefore, the best answer would be:
C. Governmental authority is limited by the consent of the people.