What does the term "consent of the people" imply about the government's authority?

The term "consent of the people" implies that the government's authority is derived from the people's allowance. This concept is rooted in the principle of popular sovereignty, which holds that the legitimacy of the government is based on the consent and support of its citizens. It suggests that a government should only have power when it is agreed upon by the people it governs. This foundational democratic principle emphasizes the importance of the citizenry's participation and agreement in the functioning and legitimacy of government, highlighting that any government authority lacks validity without the people's consent.

This contrasts with the other options; for instance, the idea that government can exist without the people's support undermines the democratic process and the foundational principles of governance. Similarly, suggesting that public backing is irrelevant directly contradicts the essence of democratic participation and accountability expected of government institutions.