"Popular sovereignty" refers to the principle that the legitimacy of government authority derives from the consent of the governed. This concept emphasizes that political power lies ultimately with the people, who have the right to make decisions regarding their governance. In a system founded on popular sovereignty, citizens exercise their power through mechanisms like voting and democratic participation, ensuring that their interests and values are reflected in government. It serves as a cornerstone of democracy, promoting accountability and the protection of individual rights as citizens assert their will in shaping laws and policies.