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The principle that refers to the authority of the government being derived from the people is popular sovereignty. This concept is foundational in democratic governance, emphasizing that government legitimacy comes from the consent of the governed. It asserts that the people hold the ultimate power and that their will is the basis for any lawful authority exercised by the government.

In practice, popular sovereignty means that elected officials are accountable to the electorate, and significant governmental decisions must reflect the desires of the populace. This principle is evident in mechanisms such as voting, referendums, and public opinion polls, showcasing how the voice of the people shapes government policy and leadership.

The other concepts, while related to governance, do not specifically address the source of governmental authority in relation to the people. Federalism refers to the distribution of power between national and state governments. Checks and balances pertain to the mechanisms that prevent any one branch of government from overpowering the others, ensuring that power is not concentrated. Separation of powers involves dividing government responsibilities into distinct branches to prevent abuses of power. Each of these plays a role in a functioning democracy but does not encapsulate the idea of governmental authority stemming directly from the citizens as effectively as popular sovereignty does.