In a democracy, sovereignty is in _________

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks where sovereignty (the supreme, ultimate power in a state) lies in a democracy.

Step 2: Explain the concept Sovereignty is the supreme authority of a state to make laws and enforce them, free from outside control. Where it is located depends on the system of government:

• Monarchy/Absolute rule: sovereignty lies with the king or ruler.
• Military rule: it lies with the ruling junta.
• Democracy: it lies with the people. This is the idea of "popular sovereignty", and it is why we say democracy is "government of the people, by the people, for the people."

Step 3: Work through the options

• A. The community: The community is the body of citizens, the people. They hold the ultimate power, which they exercise by voting and electing representatives. ✔
• B. Public officials: They are only agents who carry out the government's work. Their power is delegated, not supreme. ✘
• C. Judges: They interpret the law, but they do not hold sovereignty. ✘
• D. The Head of State: He or she is an elected or appointed leader and holds power on behalf of the people. Sovereignty in the Head of State is characteristic of monarchies or dictatorships. ✘

Step 4: Answer Sovereignty in a democracy rests with the people, which is the community of citizens.

Exam tip: Remember "Democracy = Demos (people) + Kratos (power)", so power belongs to the people. If a question asks where sovereignty lies in a democracy, look for "the people", "citizens", or "the electorate" (here, "the community").