What does the principle of popular sovereignty mean in American government?

• A. The government's authority comes from the consent of the governed, typically expressed through elections.
• B. The federal government holds sovereign power over states.
• C. The Supreme Court determines the legitimacy of the government.
• D. The President can suspend elections during emergencies.

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that political power comes from the people. Popular sovereignty means the government gets its authority with the consent of those it governs, and elections are the primary way that consent is expressed—people choose their representatives and leaders, and they can hold them accountable. This concept contrasts with the idea that a higher power or the federal government alone holds sovereign control over states; in the United States system, power is divided, but ultimate legitimacy rests with the people. It also differs from thinking the Supreme Court alone determines legitimacy—while the Court interprets laws, its authority derives from the Constitution and the people. And it certainly isn’t about suspending elections during emergencies; democracy relies on regular elections to reflect the people’s will. So the principle is best understood as government authority rooted in the people’s consent, typically expressed through elections.