Political power in a democracy is derived from the

1. Analyze the question The question asks about the source of political power in a democracy.

2. Explain the concept The word "democracy" comes from the Greek demos (people) and kratos (power or rule), meaning "rule by the people." In a democracy, sovereignty belongs to the citizens. They give government its authority through free and fair elections, referendums, and participation. This is why we say government derives its "legitimacy" from the consent of the governed.

3. Step-by-step solution

• A. Traditional rulers: Their authority comes from custom and heredity. This is typical of monarchies and traditional systems, not democracies.
• B. People: Citizens vote leaders into office and can remove them at the next election. This is the source of power in a democracy.
• C. Institution: Institutions such as the legislature, executive, and judiciary exercise power, but they get that power from the constitution, which is itself based on the people's will. They are channels of power, not its source.
• D. Barrel of the gun: This is the idea of power through force. It describes military rule or dictatorship, which is the opposite of democracy.

4. Answer The correct answer is B. people.

5. Exam tip Remember the phrase from Abraham Lincoln: "Government of the people, by the people, for the people." When a JAMB question asks about the source of power in a democracy, think "people," "consent," and "sovereignty." Watch for options like "barrel of the gun," which is a common distractor pointing to military rule.