Which principle allows for government accountability through public elections?

The principle of popular sovereignty is central to the idea of government accountability through public elections. It asserts that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, through their elected representatives. In this context, citizens have the power to choose their leaders and influence legislation, which means they can hold officials accountable for their actions and policies. When elections are free and fair, voters can make decisions based on the performance of those in power, ensuring that elected officials remain responsive to the wishes and needs of the electorate. This foundational principle enables democracy by empowering the people to participate in their governance, reinforcing the idea that the government exists to serve the interests of its citizens.

In contrast, the separation of powers is focused on dividing governmental authority among different branches to prevent any single entity from gaining too much power. Federalism concerns the division of powers between national and state governments, while judicial independence relates to the judiciary's ability to function without interference from other branches of government. These principles support democracy and governance but do not directly address how government accountability is achieved through public elections as effectively as popular sovereignty does.