Final answer:
The idea that government gets its power from the people is known as popular sovereignty. It is a foundational principle of the United States Constitution and underlies the concept that the government must act with the consent of the governed. This principle is an essential part of democratic governance and is central to the way modern democracies function.
Step-by-step explanation:
The idea that government gets its power from the people is known as popular sovereignty. This principle holds that the government's authority comes from the consent of the governed and it is not legitimate if it disregards the will of the people. In the context of the American government, this concept of popular sovereignty is a cornerstone principle encapsulated within the Constitution, emphasizing that leadership and political power are vested in the officials as long as they continue to act according to the social contract established by the populace.
Popular sovereignty is reflected in various aspects of modern democracies. For example, citizens of the United States exercise their sovereignty by electing government officials such as the President and members of Congress, as well as state and local representatives. The system is designed to be responsive to the wants and needs of the majority and is seen as a safeguard for rights and liberties, as the power is expected to serve the sovereign people.