In a democracy political sovereignty is vested in the

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks where political sovereignty rests in a democracy.

Step 2: Explain the concept Sovereignty is the supreme power or ultimate authority in a state. Political sovereignty is the power that finally decides who governs and how, and it is exercised through elections, referendums, and public opinion.

Democracy is defined as "government of the people, by the people, for the people" (Abraham Lincoln). The people are the source of authority, and they delegate power to government institutions.

Step 3: Work through the options

• A. Judges: They interpret the law. They do not hold ultimate power.
• B. People: They choose their leaders through voting, and leaders draw their legitimacy from them. This is the correct answer.
• C. Legislature: It makes laws, but only as the people's representatives, so its power is delegated.
• D. Executive: It carries out laws and is also chosen by or accountable to the people.

Step 4: Answer In a democracy, political sovereignty is vested in the people.

Exam tip: Remember the distinction between the two kinds of sovereignty:

• Legal sovereignty is the authority that makes the law (e.g. the legislature or parliament).
• Political sovereignty is the ultimate source of power, which in a democracy is the people/electorate.

When you see "political sovereignty" and "democracy" together, think people.