Chapter 2 – Purpose of Government & How It’s Organized
2.5 Popular Sovereignty, Civic Responsibility & Representative Democracy
Along with creating safeguards against tyranny, Madison also recognized the importance of citizens taking an active role in their government.
Again, he was influenced by John Locke, who emphasized that governments derive their legitimacy from the consent of the governed. He also was influenced by Jean-Jacques Rousseau, whose Social Contract (1762) stressed the ideas of popular sovereignty and civic responsibility:
- Popular sovereignty means that the ultimate source of political power rests with the people, and that government exists only because citizens grant it authority.
- Civic responsibility refers to the duties individuals have to support the well-being of their political community. These duties include voting in elections, following fair laws, serving on juries, and contributing to the common good through community service or other forms of participation.
These ideas shaped the design of American government.
- Popular sovereignty is reflected in the Constitution’s opening phrase “We the People,” in the election of members of the House of Representatives, in the ratification and amendment process, and in presidential elections that give citizens a voice in national leadership.
- Civic responsibility is embedded in federal institutions such as jury service in U.S. courts, compliance with federal laws and taxes, military service during times of national need (historically through conscription), and the protection of constitutional rights like voting and petitioning Congress.
Throughout this textbook, we will continue to explore civic responsibility and the role you can play in participating in public life.
Representative Democracy
One of the primary ways Americans fulfill their civic responsibility is through participation in our representative democracy. This is a system of government in which citizens elect representatives to make decisions and pass laws on their behalf.
Representative democracy relies on elected officials to act in the best interests of the people. Ideally, this means that the diverse views and needs of the population are considered in governance. But it also requires citizens to communicate their views and needs to those in office.
Foundational Facts
In Federalist No. 10, James Madison explains how representative democracy helps protect against groups with extreme interests and supports a government that works for everyone’s benefit. By electing representatives, citizens create a government that can balance competing interests and make decisions for the common good. Madison argued that a republic enables “a delegation of the government… to a small number of citizens elected by the rest,” allowing for thoughtful and informed decision-making on behalf of the people. But it only works if people make their voices heard.
Watch this video from Khan Academy to learn more about Madison’s argument:
YouTube URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=afRanGsRlOc
Duration: 9:56
