Final answer:
The theory of popular sovereignty holds that all power rests with the people and is foundational to democratic governments. Elections in a democracy are a representation of this concept, where the legitimacy of leaders comes from the consent of the governed.
Step-by-step explanation:
The theory of popular sovereignty posits that all power rests with the people. This theory is central to democratic political theory and reflects the idea that government's source of authority is the consent of the governed. In the United States, for example, the legitimacy of leaders comes from the people, and leaders serve as long as they adhere to the social contract. If a leader is voted out of office, it indicates a loss of trust or a belief that another candidate can do a better job. Popular sovereignty is the foundation of a democracy where the people choose their representatives, and this authority is framed by the nation's constitution. Other nations have different ways of distributing power, authority, legitimacy, and sovereignty.