Which Michigan Constitution excerpt best illustrates the principle of popular sovereignty?

Which Michigan Constitution excerpt best illustrates the principle of popular sovereignty?

• A. Neither slavery, nor involuntary servitude unless for the punishment of crime, shall ever be tolerated in this state.
• B. The military shall in all cases and at all times be in strict subordination to the civil power.
• C. The enumeration in this constitution of certain rights shall not be construed to deny or disparage others retained by the people.
• D. All political power is inherent in the people. Government is instituted for their equal benefit, security and protection.

Answer: (D)

Popular sovereignty means political authority comes from the people. The Michigan Constitution excerpt that states all political power is inherent in the people expresses this idea directly: power to govern originates with the people themselves, not from a distant ruler or an outside power. The line that government is instituted for their equal benefit, security, and protection shows that governments exist to serve the people and derive legitimacy from their consent. Together, these phrases capture the idea that the people are the ultimate source of governmental authority. The other excerpts touch on related principles—civil control of the military, the protection of rights without limiting others, but none state where political power originates as clearly as the assertion that power is inherent in the people.

Popular sovereignty means political authority comes from the people. The Michigan Constitution excerpt that states all political power is inherent in the people expresses this idea directly: power to govern originates with the people themselves, not from a distant ruler or an outside power. The line that government is instituted for their equal benefit, security, and protection shows that governments exist to serve the people and derive legitimacy from their consent. Together, these phrases capture the idea that the people are the ultimate source of governmental authority.

The other excerpts touch on related principles—civil control of the military, the protection of rights without limiting others, but none state where political power originates as clearly as the assertion that power is inherent in the people.