TExES Social Studies Content Practice Exam 2026 - Free Practice Questions and Study Guide

The principle that emphasizes the right of the people to choose the type of government they want is known as popular sovereignty. This concept is foundational to democratic governance, reflecting the idea that ultimate authority rests with the people. In a system guided by popular sovereignty, the legitimacy of the government derives from the consent of the governed, and citizens are granted the power to participate in decision-making processes, such as voting and electing representatives.

Popular sovereignty underlines the importance of civic engagement and democratic participation, empowering citizens to influence the structures and policies that govern their lives. By exercising their right to vote, individuals collectively shape the direction of their government and have a direct impact on the laws and leaders that emerge from the electoral process. This principle also reinforces the idea that a government's authority is not derived from a monarch or a ruling elite, but from the will of the people.