Which term best describes the idea that government derives its authority from the consent of the governed?

The idea that government derives its authority from the consent of the governed is best described by democracy. This concept emphasizes that the legitimacy of a government comes from the will and agreement of its citizens, who have the right to participate in the political process, either directly or through elected representatives. In a democratic system, the people have the power to make decisions about their governance and can hold their leaders accountable, reflecting the principle of popular sovereignty.

In contrast, an autocracy is a system where a single ruler has absolute power, often without consent from the governed. Oligarchy refers to a situation where a small group of people holds significant power, not necessarily reflecting the broader population's wishes. A monarchy involves a single ruler, typically a king or queen, who often inherits the position, and while some monarchies are constitutional and allow for aspects of democracy, traditionally, they do not rely on the consent of the governed in the same way that democracy does. Each of these systems operates under different principles of authority and governance, highlighting why democracy is the most appropriate term for the concept of government deriving authority from the consent of the governed.