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Which excerpt from the Washington State Constitution best illustrates the state's commitment to popular sovereignty?

  1. "The powers of the government are given to it by the people."

  2. "All political power is inherent in the people, and governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed."

  3. "Citizens have the right to propose laws and amendments."

  4. "Elections shall be free and fair to represent the people's will."

The correct answer is: "All political power is inherent in the people, and governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed."

The excerpt that best illustrates Washington State's commitment to popular sovereignty is one that directly acknowledges the source of governmental authority as emanating from the people. By stating that "All political power is inherent in the people, and governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed," this statement encapsulates the central tenet of popular sovereignty: that the legitimacy of governmental power is fundamentally rooted in the approval and authority of the citizenry. This passage emphasizes that the government's role is to serve the will and interests of the populace, affirming the idea that the people hold the ultimate power in governing affairs. It reinforces the principle that any authority exercised by the government is contingent upon the approval of the people, thereby highlighting the essential democratic foundation upon which the state's governance operates. This concept serves as a cornerstone of democratic systems and reflects the values of participation and choice that are crucial to popular sovereignty.