Which concept describes the idea that the people should possess sovereignty and universal rights?

• A. Sovereignty of the people.
• B. Divine right of kings.
• C. Sovereignty of the clergy.
• D. Rule by a single ruler.

Answer: (A)

The main idea here is popular sovereignty—the belief that ultimate political authority lies with the people and that universal rights belong to everyone by virtue of being human. This view holds that governments gain legitimacy only with the consent of the governed, and that fundamental rights—such as liberty, equality, and personal security—are inherent to all people, not granted by rulers. That’s why describing the people as possessing sovereignty and universal rights best matches this concept: it centers the people as the source of political authority and the universality of rights.

The other options point to different sources of power: divine right of kings argues authority comes from God, not from the people; sovereignty of the clergy places power in religious leaders; rule by a single ruler describes autocratic rule without the emphasis on universal rights or popular consent.