Final answer:
Democratic governments derive their power from the people through elections where citizens elect representatives who legislate on their behalf. These representatives are accountable to the electorate and must govern according to the majority's will while protecting minorities' rights, ensuring the government remains by the people and for the people.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a democracy, the government gains its power from the people through a process of free and fair elections. Citizens have the right and responsibility to participate in political processes, including voting for their representatives.
These elected officials are designed to act as delegates of the people, creating laws and policies that ideally reflect the will of the majority while also protecting the rights and liberties of all, including minorities.
This ensures that the sovereign powers remain with the populace, with representatives serving for a fixed term and being accountable to the electorate. The democracy functions with the consent and active participation of the citizens, and it is this very participation that legitimizes the authority of the government.
For example, in the United States, a representative democracy or republic, citizens vote for members of Congress, the president and vice president, and other officials at various levels of government. These representatives are tasked with making decisions that serve the interests of their constituents.
The legitimacy of the government stems from the consent of the governed; if a government acts contrary to the populace's wishes, it risks being replaced through subsequent elections. In this way, democratic governance reflects the sentiment and needs of the people, ensuring they have a voice in the formation and operation of their government.
Moreover, key principles such as human rights, civil liberties, majority rule, and the protection of minorities are integral to a functional democracy.