Which principle allows citizens to vote on government policies?

The principle that allows citizens to vote on government policies is popular sovereignty. This concept is fundamental in democratic systems, as it asserts that the power and authority of government derive from the consent of the governed. In this framework, citizens have the right to participate in the decision-making processes that affect their lives, primarily through voting.

Popular sovereignty underscores the idea that the legitimacy of governmental authority rests on the will of the people. When citizens vote, they are exercising this principle by expressing their preferences on various policies and electing representatives who will enact those policies. This ensures that government reflects the values and needs of its constituents, as policies are determined by the collective input of the populace.

Other concepts like federalism, separation of powers, and checks and balances serve essential roles in organizing government functions and limiting power but do not directly grant the ability to vote. Federalism divides power between national and state governments, separation of powers creates distinct branches of government to prevent any one branch from becoming too powerful, and checks and balances ensure that these branches can limit each other's powers. While they are crucial for maintaining a balanced and fair government, they do not pertain to the mechanism of citizen voting on policies.