What defines popular sovereignty in a government?

Popular sovereignty is a foundational principle in democratic governance that asserts that the authority of the government emanates from the will of the people. This concept emphasizes that governmental power is not derived from a monarch, military, or any other elite group, but rather from the consent and choice of the citizens.

In systems that uphold popular sovereignty, citizens actively participate in the political process, influencing the creation and implementation of laws and policies through voting and civic engagement. This principle is integral to the legitimacy of a government, as it relies on the belief that the government exists to serve the people and to reflect their interests and desires.

In contrast to the other choices, which highlight different forms of authority and governance, popular sovereignty distinctly positions the populace as the ultimate source of power. It creates a relationship of accountability between the government and the governed, where leaders must respond to the needs and opinions of the citizenry to maintain their authority and legitimacy.