Which principle means that the government derives its power from the consent of the governed?

The principle that means the government derives its power from the consent of the governed is known as popular sovereignty. This concept is foundational to democratic governance, asserting that the legitimacy of the government stems from the authority granted by the people. In other words, a government can only exercise power and authority when it has the approval and support of the citizens it governs. This principle is enshrined in many democratic constitutions and implies that citizens have the right to voice their opinions, vote, and participate in the political process, reinforcing the idea that the government's role is to serve the interests of the populace.

Other principles listed, such as checks and balances, judicial review, and separation of powers, play important roles in maintaining a fair and balanced government system, but they do not directly address the source of governmental authority. Checks and balances prevent any one branch of government from overpowering the others, judicial review allows courts to interpret laws and assess their constitutionality, and separation of powers divides government responsibilities among different branches to prevent tyranny. While these principles are essential for a well-functioning democracy, they do not inherently focus on the government's right to rule being derived from the consent of the governed, which is the essence of popular sovereignty.