consent of the governed
Noun
Meaning
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.
Examples
For in reason, all government without the consent of the governed is the very definition of slavery.
We believe in the principle that governments are properly established only when it is with the consent of the governed.
Seeing someone in the position of James Clapper - the Director of National Intelligence - baldly lying to the public without repercussion is the evidence of a subverted democracy. The consent of the governed is not consent if it is not informed.
For, in reason, all government without the consent of the governed is the very definition of slavery: but in fact, eleven men well armed will certainly subdue one single man in his shirt.
Tax Law is like the world's biggest chess game with all sorts of weird conundrums about ethics and civics and consent of the governed built in. For me, it's a bit like math. I have no talent for it but find it still erotically interesting.
What we seek is the reign of law, based upon the consent of the governed and sustained by the organized opinion of mankind.