What principle asserts that government derives its power from the consent of the governed?

The principle that asserts government derives its power from the consent of the governed is known as popular sovereignty. This concept is rooted in the belief that the authority of a government is created and sustained by the will of its people, who can express their preferences through mechanisms like voting. It underscores that the legitimacy of governmental power hinges on the approval of its citizens, reflecting democratic ideals where the populace has the ultimate say in how they are governed.

Rule of law emphasizes that everyone, including government officials, must abide by the law, ensuring fairness and justice in governance. Separation of powers refers to the division of government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent any one branch from gaining too much power. Checks and balances are mechanisms that allow each branch of government to limit the powers of the others, thereby maintaining a balance of power. While these concepts provide structure and ensure accountability within government, they do not directly address the source of governmental power, which is the essence of popular sovereignty.