Which phrase best defines popular sovereignty?

Popular sovereignty is a foundational principle in democratic governance that emphasizes the role of the people as the ultimate source of political authority. This concept asserts that government derives its power and legitimacy from the consent of the governed, meaning that the will and interests of the population are crucial in shaping laws and policies.

In a system guided by popular sovereignty, citizens hold the right to participate in decision-making processes, whether through voting, public discourse, or other forms of civic engagement. This principle is central to the idea of representative democracy, where elected officials act on behalf of the people, reflecting their choices and preferences.

The other options fail to capture this essence, as they do not recognize the role of the populace in governance. The independence of the government from the people, reliance on foreign powers for authority, and hereditary power structures all undermine the fundamental notion that political legitimacy comes from the consent and expression of the citizenry. Therefore, the correct answer highlights the core idea that the ultimate political authority indeed rests with the people.