Concept:The principle of popular sovereignty is the foundation of government restraint in a democracy.
Explanation:In a democratic society, government authority is derived from the people.
Consent of the governed means citizens grant legitimacy to those who rule.
This consent is the strongest limiting factor on government power.
Leaders must earn and retain public approval through free and fair elections.
If the government violates the people's trust, citizens can remove it by democratic means.
This accountability forces the government to act within the law and public interest.
The ideology of the party is an internal guideline, not an external restraint.
Parliamentary debates and civil society influence decisions, but they cannot override the ultimate power of the people.
Therefore, the greatest restraining factor is the people's consent.
Answer:A. Consent of the governed