Ace the 2025 Michigan Teacher Certification in Social Studies – Elevate Your Teaching Dreams!

The principle of popular sovereignty asserts that the authority of a government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, often expressed through their elected representatives. In the context of the Michigan Constitution, this principle emphasizes that political power originates from the citizens rather than being bestowed by a higher authority or governmental decree.

This concept is fundamental to democratic governance, where the legitimacy of the government stems from the will of the populace. By stating that political power is inherent in the people, it highlights that governmental authority must reflect the choices and desires of those it governs, reinforcing the idea that citizens play a crucial role in shaping laws and policies through voting and civic participation.

The other options present views that do not align with the democratic foundations of popular sovereignty, such as presenting governmental power as absolute or divinely sanctioned, or indicating that citizens are excluded from involvement in governance.