consent of the governed

== English == === Noun === consent of the governed (uncountable) (government, political science, philosophy) A political theory in which a government or set of governments could only be deemed legitimate if it is supported by the people under which it exercises its political influence. ==== Usage notes ==== This phrase is often used in contrast to the "divine right of kings", which places supreme political power in a monarch chosen not by the people but directly by the will of God on Earth. ==== Coordinate terms ==== divine right, divine right of kings === See also === consent of the governed on Wikipedia.Wikipedia