Who has the ultimate power in a democracy?

Prepare for the Wisconsin Civics Test graduation requirement. Access flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to succeed in your exam. Get ready to ace your test!

In a democracy, the ultimate power resides with the citizens. This principle is foundational to the democratic system, which is built on the concept of popular sovereignty. Citizens have the right to vote, express their opinions, and influence government actions and policies through various means, such as elections, public discourse, and civic participation.

This power is exercised through mechanisms like elections, where citizens choose their representatives, referendums, and initiatives that allow them to vote directly on specific issues. The idea is that the government is accountable to the people, and its authority is derived from the consent of the governed.

The role of government officials is to implement the will of the citizens, while the military's role is to protect the state and its constitution, not to wield power over the populace. Similarly, business leaders may have significant influence in certain circles, but they do not hold the ultimate power in a democratic system, which fundamentally rests with the people's right to self-govern.

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