What concept states that the government's power derives from the consent of the people?

The concept that the government's power derives from the consent of the people is known as the "Consent of the Governed." This principle is foundational to democratic systems and is rooted in social contract theory, which posits that individuals agree to form societies and governments in exchange for protection of their rights and maintenance of order. Essentially, it emphasizes that legitimate authority comes from the approval and support of the individuals within the society, rather than from coercion or force.

This idea is vital because it underpins the legitimacy of a government; if the government acts without the consent of the people, it risks being considered unjust or even tyrannical. The emphasis on consent highlights the importance of participatory mechanisms, such as voting, where the citizens express their agreement or disagreement with the governing authority.

Other concepts listed, such as majority rule, political ideology, and liberalism, do touch on governance and decision-making, but they do not encapsulate the fundamental assertion that government authority originates from the people's agreement. Majority rule refers to the decision-making process in which the preference of the majority is given weight, which doesn't directly address the source of governmental power. Political ideology refers to a set of beliefs about the ideal government and society, while liberalism is a political philosophy focused