What principle of the Constitution emphasizes that the government derives its authority from the people's consent?

The principle that emphasizes the government's authority coming from the people's consent is known as popular sovereignty. This concept is foundational in democratic systems, asserting that the legitimacy of the government is created through the will of its citizens. Essentially, it means that the people have the power to govern and make decisions regarding their society through elected representatives and direct participation in the political process.

Popular sovereignty highlights that a government's moral right to exercise power is justified only if it reflects the will and consent of the governed. This principle is embedded in the Constitution, particularly in its Preamble, which begins with "We the People." This phrase underscores the idea that the authority of the government derives from the collective agreement and support of its citizens.

Checks and balances, federalism, and limited government are important concepts within the Constitution as well, each serving distinct purposes. Checks and balances prevent any one branch of government from becoming too powerful, federalism divides authority between national and state governments, and limited government constrains governmental power to protect individual rights. However, none of these principles specifically focus on the source of the government's authority, which is where popular sovereignty stands out as the correct answer.