What is popular sovereignty? (1 point) Responses the idea that democracy would lead to mob rule the idea that democracy would lead to mob rule the idea that each branch of government should have specific powers and duties the idea that each branch of government should have specific powers and duties the idea that the political authority of government comes from the people the idea that the political authority of government comes from the people the idea that a President would head the executive branch
The idea that the political authority of government comes from the people.
Popular sovereignty is the idea that the political authority of government comes from the people.
Popular sovereignty is the idea that the political authority of government comes from the people. It is a key principle in democratic governance, emphasizing that the power of the government lies with the citizens who elect their representatives. To understand this concept, you can examine how governments are formed and how they derive their legitimacy.
To get a better understanding of popular sovereignty, you can:
1. Review the origins of the concept: Learn about the historical context in which the idea of popular sovereignty emerged. It is often associated with Enlightenment thinkers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau and John Locke, who argued that people have natural rights and should be able to govern themselves.
2. Examine the formation of governments: Understand how governments are created through elections and consent of the governed. Explore examples of democratic constitutions that explicitly enshrine popular sovereignty as a fundamental principle.
3. Study democratic processes: Observe how citizens participate in the political decision-making process, such as through voting in elections, exercising their rights to free speech and assembly, and engaging in public discourse. This active involvement strengthens the idea of popular sovereignty.
4. Contrast with other forms of government: Compare popular sovereignty with systems like autocracy or monarchy, where power is derived from sources other than the people themselves.
By considering these aspects and examining different sources, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of popular sovereignty and its significance in democratic systems.