From where does the power of government derive?

The power of government derives from the people, which is a fundamental principle of democracy. This concept is rooted in the belief that the legitimacy of governmental authority comes from the consent of the governed. In a democratic system, the people elect representatives and have a voice in the creation and enforcement of laws, reflecting their will and protecting their rights. Hence, the government's authority is ultimately accountable to the citizens, who hold the power to influence and change their government through elections and civic engagement.

The other options, while they represent important aspects of governance, do not encapsulate the foundational source of governmental power in a democracy. Government officials, for example, are designated representatives of the people's will but do not hold power independently of the populace. The Constitution, although a vital document that outlines the structure and limits of government, is an expression of the people's will and serves as a framework to govern effectively. Political parties play a role in organizing and representing different viewpoints but are not the source of governmental authority themselves.