The power of government is derived from the consent of the governed. This means that governments are granted power by the people they govern. In modern times, this concept is reflected in the idea of popular sovereignty, which holds that the ultimate authority in a state lies with the people, who have the right to choose their leaders and make decisions about how they are governed.
In most democratic countries, the power of government is derived through regular and fair elections, in which citizens have the right to vote for their leaders. Additionally, the government is limited by a system of checks and balances, which ensures that no single branch or individual has too much power. The government also derives its power from the Constitution or Basic Law, which lays out the structure and principles of the government, as well as the rights and responsibilities of its citizens.
In practice, the power of government is not always the same, it can change over time, depending on the political and social context. Some governments have more power than others, and the balance of power can shift between different branches of government or between the government and other actors, such as the judiciary or the media. Additionally, in some countries, the military or other groups may wield significant power, while in others, the government may be relatively weak.
Overall, in modern times, the power of government still comes from the consent of the governed, but the way it is exercised, the systems used to control it, the checks and balances, and the political and social context can vary greatly.