Question

According to this passage from the Declaration of Independence, where does political power come from? We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.--That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, --That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness

Answer 1

The correct answer is the people (aka citizens). In the Declaration of Independence, it is clear that the people are the ones who have the most political power.

The excerpt that proves this is when it states that "That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed." This quote is essentially saying that governments are made by men and that the power that elected officials may gain is thanks to people voting for them.

Ultimately, the political power in the US lies in the hands of citizens.