Which principle allows citizens to participate in the governance of their country?

The principle of popular sovereignty is foundational to the governance of the United States, as it emphasizes that the authority of the government is derived from the consent of the governed. This means that the power to make decisions and govern lies with the citizens, who exercise this power through voting and civic participation. Popular sovereignty ensures that the government remains accountable to the people and that citizens have a direct role in shaping laws and policies that affect their lives.

In contrast, federalism refers to the distribution of power between the national and state governments, which does not directly address citizen participation. Checks and balances involve the mechanisms that prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful, ensuring that power is balanced among the legislative, executive, and judicial branches. The separation of powers delineates the responsibilities and functions of these branches, focusing more on the organization and structure of government rather than citizen involvement. Thus, while all these concepts are vital to the functioning of the U.S. political system, popular sovereignty is the principle specifically linked to citizen participation in governance.