Which principle ensures that elected representatives hold power on behalf of the people?

The principle that ensures elected representatives hold power on behalf of the people is republicanism. This concept is rooted in the idea that the authority of government derives from the consent of the governed, meaning that elected officials are accountable to the citizens who elect them. In a republican system, representatives make decisions on behalf of their constituents, emphasizing the role of the populace in shaping governance through elections.

This principle reflects the belief in a representative democracy, where individuals have the right to participate in choosing their leaders and influencing policies. Republicanism encourages active participation by emphasizing civic responsibility and the importance of political representation, ensuring that the government remains responsive to the needs and interests of the public.

While popular sovereignty is related, as it refers to the ultimate power of the people to govern themselves, republicanism specifically highlights the framework of elected representatives functioning in service to the populace. Federalism describes the division of power between national and state governments, while checks and balances refer to the mechanisms that prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful. These concepts are important in understanding the structure of U.S. governance but do not directly pertain to the notion of elected representatives acting on behalf of the people.