Final answer:
In a democracy, power rests with the people who may exercise it directly or through elected representatives. The United States is a representative democracy, where the majority rule is prevalent and legitimate governance is derived from the people's consent. While not a pure direct democracy, aspects of direct influence are present in the ability to vote on certain laws and ballots.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a democracy, the power lies with the people. This concept indicates that citizens hold the political power either through a direct vote on policies or by electing representatives who carry out the will of the people. In the United States, for example, the government can best be described as a representative democracy or republic, where citizens do not directly participate in law-making but elect officials to make decisions on their behalf. The legitimacy of such a state derives from the consent of the governed, ensuring that elected officials remain servants to the public interest and the constitution.
However, a democracy must constantly check the balance between being a leader and a follower of the people's will. In a representative democracy, the majority rule often prevails, but the true extent of political influence and decision-making rests in the hands of the elected representatives. Though pure direct democracy is not practical for larger societies, many democratic countries, including the United States during the Progressive Era, have incorporated aspects giving citizens direct influence through ballots and initiatives.