Which principle of the Constitution emphasizes that the government derives its power from the consent of the governed?

The principle that emphasizes the government's power coming from the consent of the governed is known as popular sovereignty. This concept is foundational to democratic governance, asserting that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the will of its people, typically expressed through voting and other forms of participation.

Popular sovereignty is significant because it ensures that the government is accountable to the citizens it serves. This principle is evident in various sections of the Constitution, particularly in the Preamble, which begins with "We the People." This phrase underscores that the power and legitimacy of the government must originate from the people, who have the right to elect their representatives and influence legislation.

In contrast, the other principles mentioned, such as limited government, judicial review, and separation of powers, focus on different aspects of government structure and limits on power rather than directly highlighting the source of governmental authority. Limited government deals with restrictions on governmental power to protect individual liberties. Judicial review refers to the judiciary's ability to evaluate the constitutionality of legislative and executive actions. Separation of powers establishes distinct responsibilities among the branches of government, aiming to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful. Each of these principles is essential to the overall architecture of the Constitution, but popular sovereignty specifically captures the essence of government deriving