Popular Consent

Popular consent refers to the idea that a government's authority is legitimate only if it's based on the approval or agreement of the people it governs. In democratic societies, this means that leaders are elected through fair elections and policies are shaped by the will of the majority. Essentially, popular consent is the foundation of democratic governance, emphasizing that the power of rulers comes from the consent of the governed, ensuring that citizens have a say in decisions that affect their lives. When consent is lacking, it can lead to questions about the government's legitimacy and authority.