Which principle outlines that the government derives its authority from the consent of the governed?

The principle that outlines that the government derives its authority from the consent of the governed is known as popular sovereignty. This fundamental concept is rooted in the idea that the legitimacy of government comes from the will and agreement of the people it governs. It emphasizes that the power of the government is granted by the citizens, who have the right to participate in the political process, express their opinions, and make decisions about their governance.

This principle is foundational to democratic systems, where elections and public referenda serve as mechanisms for the people to express their preferences and influence government decisions. The concept of popular sovereignty was integral to the founding of the United States, as articulated in the Declaration of Independence, where it states that governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.

In contrast, the other options represent different aspects of governance. Federalism refers to the division of powers between national and state governments, checks and balances are mechanisms to ensure no single branch of government becomes too powerful, and separation of powers divides government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent abuse. While these principles support a framework of governance, they do not specifically address the idea that governmental authority originates from the people's consent.