Final answer:
The source of power according to the United States Constitution is the consent of the governed, known as popular sovereignty. The rule of law and a system of checks and balances protect this power and ensure no branch of government becomes superior.
Step-by-step explanation:
The United States Constitution states that power must come from a particular source. This source is the consent of the governed. This principle is known as popular sovereignty, which dictates that the government's source of authority is the people. This foundational idea ensures that leaders are only in charge as long as they fulfill the social contract and maintain the trust of their constituency - a trust that can be revoked in subsequent elections.
The Constitution begins with "We the People", emphasizing the Enlightenment concept that political power is derived from the citizens it governs. The rule of law is another critical principle, asserting that no individual, no matter how influential, is above the law and that the government must be limited and decisions based on established rules rather than personal discretion. By establishing a system of checks and balances between the legislative, executive, and judicial branches, the Constitution ensures that no single branch becomes superior, thus protecting the liberty and rights of the people.