Florida Civic Literacy Practice Exam

Which principle is foundational to the idea of government by the consent of the governed?

1. Checks and balances

2. Popular sovereignty

3. Separation of powers

4. Judicial review

The correct answer is: Popular sovereignty

The concept of government by the consent of the governed is fundamentally rooted in popular sovereignty. This principle asserts that the authority of the government is derived from the will of the people, meaning that the legitimacy of government action depends on the consent of those it governs. In essence, popular sovereignty emphasizes that the citizens have the ultimate power to influence, elect, and hold accountable their government representatives. By being foundational to democracy, popular sovereignty supports the idea that government exists to serve the interests of its citizens, and that their rights and freedoms must be respected. This principle underpins various democratic processes, including free and fair elections, civil rights, and civic engagement, reflecting the belief that a legitimate government must reflect the will of the people. In contrast, while checks and balances, separation of powers, and judicial review are all important mechanisms within a democratic system that help to prevent tyranny and protect individual rights, they serve to further refine and implement the broader principle of popular sovereignty, rather than standing as the foundational idea of consent.