What does the phrase 'consent of the governed' signify in American government?

• A. Divine right of kings
• B. Popular sovereignty; government derives authority from the people
• C. Separation of powers
• D. Federalism

Answer: (B)

The main concept here is popular sovereignty—the idea that the government gets its authority from the people and relies on their consent to govern. In American government, legitimacy comes from the people, not from divine right or coercion. The phrase “consent of the governed” captures the social contract idea that citizens grant government its power, often through elections, participation, and obedience to laws that reflect the will of the people. This is foundational to a republic where leaders are chosen and policies reflect public consent; when consent is lacking, political accountability and change follow.

This isn’t about divine right of kings, which asserts authority comes from God. It isn’t about how government powers are separated among branches, which is the separation of powers. It isn’t about the division of power between national and state governments, which is federalism. The key idea is where authority originates—from the people themselves.