Which authority is ultimately derived from the principle of popular sovereignty?

The correct answer, which highlights the principle of popular sovereignty, is the will of the people in a democratic system. This principle asserts that the ultimate source of governmental authority and legitimacy is derived from the consent and will of the governed. In a democracy, government officials are elected to represent the interests and opinions of the populace, thereby making their authority contingent upon the will of the people.

This reflects the foundational belief that the government exists to serve the citizens, and its powers are granted through their collective agreement and participation in the democratic process. Popular sovereignty emphasizes that the people have the right not only to choose their leaders but also to influence legislation and governance through their collective voice and actions, such as voting.

In contrast, while governmental officials' discretion, constitutional mandates, and judicial authority can all exert power within a government framework, they ultimately function under the overarching theme of popular sovereignty. Government officials acting on their discretion must align with the will of the people, constitutional mandates stem from the people's collective agreement as codified in foundational documents, and judicial authority is often interpreted through the lens of the will of the citizens as expressed in laws and precedents. Thus, the strongest connection to the concept of authority arising from popular sovereignty is found in the will of the people