In Federalist No. 22, Alexander Hamilton argued that "The fabric of American empire ought to rest on the solid basis of THE CONSENT OF THE PEOPLE. The streams of national power ought to flow immediately from that pure, original fountain of all legitimate authority." Which of the following core democratic ideals is most directly reflected in this passage?
- Popular sovereignty, because it asserts that the ultimate source of governmental authority lies with the citizens.Answer
- BNatural rights, because it emphasizes that individuals possess inherent liberties that cannot be taken away by government.
- CRepublicanism, because it focuses on the election of representatives to exercise authority on behalf of the citizens.
- DLimited government, because it highlights that governmental power must be restricted by a written constitution.
Answer
Popular sovereignty, because it asserts that the ultimate source of governmental authority lies with the citizens.
The correct option is the one stating that popular sovereignty asserts the ultimate source of governmental authority lies with the citizens. Hamilton's argument that the power of the government must rest on the 'consent of the people' and flow from them as the 'fountain of all legitimate authority' directly defines the principle of popular sovereignty.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Popular sovereignty