In a democracy, from where does the power to govern derive?

In a democracy, the power to govern derives from the will of the people, who express their preferences through voting and civic engagement. This foundational concept is rooted in the idea that elected officials represent the interests of their constituents, making it essential for citizens to actively participate in the electoral process to shape their governance. Moreover, the notion of popular sovereignty suggests that government authority is granted by the consent of the governed. This means that when citizens engage in debates, protests, and community organization, they're not just participating in politics but reinforcing the democratic framework that holds leaders accountable and promotes social change.