HISET Social Studies Practice

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Study for the HISET Social Studies Test. Access practice exams and detailed explanations to boost your confidence. Prepare effectively and succeed in your test!

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Which concept describes a government in which people rule by their own consent?

Constitutionalism
Popular sovereignty
Federalism
Paternalism

The correct answer is: Popular sovereignty

The concept that describes a government in which people rule by their own consent is known as popular sovereignty. This principle asserts that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, typically expressed through their right to vote and participate in civic life. In a system based on popular sovereignty, citizens have the ultimate power to determine their government, its laws, and its leaders, reinforcing the idea that the legitimacy of governmental authority comes from the will of the people. Constitutionalism refers to the idea of governance according to an established constitution, which limits government powers and outlines individual rights. Federalism involves the division of powers between different levels of government, typically national and state, and does not inherently address the concept of consent. Paternalism implies a governing approach that manages or controls individuals under the claim of providing for their needs and helping them, which does not align with the idea of consent and self-rule by the populace.