According to the Constitution, both the national and state governments are accountable to whom?

The correct answer is that both the national and state governments are accountable to the people. This principle is rooted in the foundational concept of democracy, which asserts that the authority of government derives from the consent of the governed. In a democratic system, the government exists to serve the interests and welfare of its citizens, and its legitimacy comes from the people’s will.

This accountability to the people is reflected in various aspects of the Constitution, including the preamble, which emphasizes the importance of promoting the general welfare and securing the blessings of liberty for current and future generations. Additionally, mechanisms such as elections, public opinion, and the right to petition seek to ensure that government actions remain in line with the desires and needs of the populace.

The other options, while relevant in their own contexts, do not encompass the primary accountability of both national and state governments. Federal courts may interpret laws and resolve disputes but do not hold governments accountable in the same way the electorate does. The President, while a powerful figure within the national government, is not the ultimate authority over state governments. Lastly, while the Constitution is a guiding framework that both levels of government must adhere to, it is the people whose consent legitimizes the government's power and decisions.