Question

Which constitutional principle is represented in the statement that "We the People .. . ordain and establish" the Constitution? A. separation of powers B. federalism C. popular sovereignty D. republicanism

Short answer

C. popular sovereignty

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Statement

Analyze the phrase 'We the People... ordain and establish' from the Constitution. This phrase indicates that the power and authority of the government comes from the people, who grant the authority to establish and govern.

Define Each Principle

Define the options provided: 1. Separation of powers: Divides government into branches (legislative, executive, judicial) each with separate powers. 2. Federalism: Power is divided between a central government and regional governments. 3. Popular sovereignty: The principle that the authority of a state and its government are created and sustained by the consent of its people. 4. Republicanism: A form of government where officials are elected as representatives of the people.

Match the Statement to the Principle

Compare the phrase 'We the People... ordain and establish' to the definitions. Determine that the correct principle is 'popular sovereignty' as this phrase signifies that the people have the ultimate governing authority.

Confirm the Answer

Ensure that none of the other principles (A. separation of powers, B. federalism, and D. republicanism) match the statement as closely as popular sovereignty.

Key concepts

popular sovereignty

Popular sovereignty is a foundational principle of government indicating that the authority and power of the government are derived from the consent of the governed—the people themselves. This concept was clearly articulated in the opening phrase of the U.S. Constitution: 'We the People... ordain and establish.' Here, the Founding Fathers emphasized that the legitimacy of the government comes directly from the will of the citizens.
Popular sovereignty ensures that:

• Any government action requires the consent of the governed.
• Citizens have the right to participate in the democratic process.
• The government serves the people rather than the other way around.

This principle is vital as it forms the bedrock of American democratic values, ensuring that the power lies with the populace who have the right to influence governance through voting and other forms of political participation.

separation of powers

Separation of powers refers to the division of government responsibilities into distinct branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. This framework prevents any single entity from gaining too much power and ensures a system of checks and balances.
Here's how each branch functions:

• Legislative Branch: Makes laws.
• Executive Branch: Enforces laws.
• Judicial Branch: Interprets laws.

By dividing responsibilities and powers, the separation of powers ensures that:

• No single branch can dominate or control the others.
• Each branch has a system to check the powers of the other branches.

This principle supports a balanced government where power is equally distributed, promoting accountability and preventing tyranny.

federalism

Federalism is the system where governmental power is divided between a central authority and regional entities, like states or provinces. In the United States, this means that powers are shared between the federal government and state governments.
Key aspects of federalism include:

• Shared Power: Both the national and state governments exercise certain authorities, like taxation.
• Division of Roles: Some powers are exclusively federal (e.g., national defense), some are state (e.g., education), and some are shared (e.g., transportation).

Federalism ensures that:

• Local governments can address region-specific needs and preferences.
• There is a balance of power which prevents central government overreach.

This system allows for diversity in policy and governance tailored to different parts of the country while maintaining unity under a central federal authority.

republicanism

Republicanism is a political ideology centered around the concept of a republic, where the country's leaders are elected as representatives of the people. This principle stands in contrast to monarchies or dictatorships.
In a republic:

• Officials are elected by the people to represent their interests.
• There is an emphasis on civic virtue and participation in public affairs.
• The government operates with the consent of the governed, reflecting democratic values.

Key benefits of republicanism include:

• Ensuring that government officials are accountable to the electorate.
• Promoting a sense of shared responsibility and active citizenship among all members of society.

This principle underpins the democratic structure of the U.S., ensuring that the government remains 'of the people, by the people, for the people'.