What authority does the U.S. government derive its power from?

The correct answer highlights that the authority of the U.S. government fundamentally stems from the will of the people. This concept is enshrined in the Declaration of Independence and is a cornerstone of democratic governance. The idea is that the government is established to serve the people, and its power is granted through their consent. This aligns with the principle of popular sovereignty, which means that the legitimacy of government authority is derived from the people rather than a singular figure or entity.

While the Constitution does outline the framework and rules for government, it reflects the collective will and consent of the people at the time of its ratification. The military and the President, while important components of the government structure, do not hold the ultimate source of authority; rather, they function within the bounds set by the people's will as expressed through constitutional mechanisms and democratic processes. Therefore, the essence of government power in the United States resides in the consent and participation of its citizens, reinforcing the fundamental principle that the people have the ultimate authority in their governance.