analyze the following principle of the U.S. Constitution: "The House of Representatives is the part of the government directly elected by the people." What Declaration of Independence ideal does this reflect?
The principle of the U.S. Constitution that states "The House of Representatives is the part of the government directly elected by the people" reflects the ideal of popular sovereignty as outlined in the Declaration of Independence.
Popular sovereignty, or the idea that ultimate political power rests with the people, is a fundamental principle of democracy. It emphasizes that the government derives its authority from the consent of the governed. This ideal is closely tied to the American Revolution and the desire to break away from the monarchical rule of the British monarchy.
The House of Representatives embodies this principle by directly representing the people's interests and being elected by the citizens. Unlike the Senate, where senators were originally chosen by state legislatures (prior to the ratification of the 17th Amendment), members of the House are elected through a direct vote by the population of each state. This electoral process ensures that the House represents the will and preferences of the people, giving them an active role in influencing the legislative branch of government.
By proclaiming that the House of Representatives is directly elected by the people, the U.S. Constitution reinforces the notion that the power of government resides in the hands of the citizens. This principle aligns with the spirit of popular sovereignty, one of the core principles espoused in the Declaration of Independence.