Which principle supports the idea that government power is derived from the consent of the governed?

The principle that supports the idea that government power is derived from the consent of the governed is known as popular sovereignty. This concept asserts that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the will of the people, who grant it power through their collective agreement, typically expressed through elections and democratic participation.

In essence, popular sovereignty emphasizes that the legitimacy of a government is rooted in the consent of those it governs. This foundational idea is critical in democratic systems, where policies, laws, and leaders are determined by the preferences of the populace. As such, if the government fails to represent the will of the people, it can be challenged or overthrown, affirming the notion that ultimate authority lies with the citizens.

While the other principles such as separation of powers, judicial review, and checks and balances are important aspects of government structure and functionality, they do not specifically address the source of governmental authority like popular sovereignty does. Instead, they focus on the distribution and limitation of power within government to prevent any single entity from becoming too powerful.