Which of the following represents the principle of consent of the governed?

The principle of consent of the governed is a fundamental concept in democratic theory, emphasizing that a government’s legitimacy is derived from the authority granted by the individuals it governs. This principle highlights that citizens have the right to choose their representatives through free and fair elections.

The act of individuals electing members of the House of Representatives exemplifies this principle because it is a direct mechanism through which citizens express their consent to be governed by those they select. This process allows the electorate to participate in decision-making and legislative processes, reinforcing the notion that government should reflect the will of the people.

In contrast, while the other options suggest forms of civic engagement or rights, they do not embody the principle of consent of the governed as clearly. For instance, the election of a Chief Justice does not occur through a popular vote by citizens; instead, they are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate, which distances that role from direct public consent. Debates on social media do facilitate dialogue, but they do not constitute formal consent in a governmental context. Finally, the right to jury trials protects citizen participation in legal systems but does not directly represent the broader concept of electing representatives to govern. Thus, the first choice clearly aligns with the idea of consent of the governed.