From where does the Constitution derive its power?

The Constitution derives its power from the people, which is a fundamental principle of the democratic system established by the United States. This idea is articulated in the preamble of the Constitution, which begins with the phrase "We the People." This assertion emphasizes that the authority of the government and the Constitution itself is rooted in the consent and will of the citizens. It signifies that the government exists to serve the people and that the rights and powers granted by the Constitution originate from the populace rather than from any individual leader or institution.

This concept is essential to understanding the framework of American democracy, where the government's legitimacy is based on the participation and consent of the governed. It also underscores the importance of civic engagement, as the power of the government can only be effectively exercised with the support and active involvement of its citizens.