Americans Choose Their Leaders
This Grade 3 history skill from California myWorld Interactive explains how the concept of consent of the governed—where government power comes from the people's agreement—became the foundation of the United States after the American Revolution, covered in Chapter 4: Government, Landmarks, and Symbols.
Key Concepts
After the American Revolution, the leaders of the new country wanted a government that was fair. They remembered being ruled by a king who had all the power. They decided that the people should be in charge of their own government.
This new idea is called consent of the governed . It means a government only has power if the people agree to be led. This was the main plan for the new government of the United States .
Common Questions
How do Americans choose their leaders?
After the American Revolution, leaders wanted a fair government where people were in charge. They created consent of the governed—the idea that government only has power if the people agree to be led. Citizens choose leaders through voting and elections.
What is consent of the governed?
Consent of the governed means that a government only has power if the people agree to be led by it. This was the main plan for the new United States government, ensuring that citizens rather than a king held ultimate authority.
Why did American leaders reject rule by a king?
After the Revolution, American leaders remembered being ruled by a king who had all the power without the people's consent. They created a new government based on consent of the governed, where citizens could choose their leaders through elections.
What chapter covers American elections in California myWorld Interactive Grade 3?
Americans choosing their leaders is covered in Chapter 4: Government, Landmarks, and Symbols in California myWorld Interactive, Grade 3.
How did the American Revolution change ideas about government?
The American Revolution replaced rule by a distant king with consent of the governed—a government whose power comes from the people's agreement. This revolutionary idea made citizens the ultimate source of political authority.