what is meant by the founding principle that american government operates at the consent of the governed? (1 point)

1 answer

The founding principle that American government operates at the consent of the governed means that the authority and legitimacy of the government are derived from the will and approval of the people it serves. This concept, rooted in social contract theory, emphasizes that citizens have the right to choose their leaders, participate in the democratic process, and hold those in power accountable. Essentially, it asserts that government power is valid only if it reflects the desires and agreements of the populace, reinforcing the idea of popular sovereignty and individual rights in a democratic society.