Ace the 2026 U.S. History STAAR – Conquer Texas with Knowledge!

The principle of popular sovereignty is rooted in the idea that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, primarily through their right to vote. This principle emphasizes that the ultimate power resides in the hands of the citizens, allowing them to influence their government and its officials. When voters feel that their elected representatives are not fulfilling their responsibilities or acting against the interests of the populace, they have the ability to express their dissatisfaction through elections, which can lead to those officials being voted out of office. This process is fundamental to a democratic system, ensuring accountability and responsiveness from elected leaders.

In contrast, limited government focuses on the restrictions placed on government power, separation of powers delineates the distinct roles of legislative, executive, and judicial branches, while checks and balances refer to the mechanisms that allow each branch to regulate the others to prevent any one from accumulating too much power. While these concepts support the functioning of a democratic system, it is popular sovereignty that directly empowers citizens to change their government through voting.