Which concept describes that the final authority over government and public policies lies with the people?

The concept that defines the final authority over government and public policies as residing with the people is known as popular sovereignty. This principle asserts that the legitimacy of the government's power is derived from the consent of the governed, meaning that citizens have the ultimate say in their governance.

Popular sovereignty is foundational in democratic societies, establishing that the government operates as a representative of the will of the people. It embodies the idea that citizens have the right to participate in decision-making processes, elect representatives, and influence policy outcomes. This fundamental concept ensures that government actions reflect the preferences and interests of the population, ultimately promoting accountability and transparency within public administration.

In contrast, the other options refer to different aspects of political theory and government structure. Separation of powers pertains to the division of government responsibilities among different branches to prevent abuse of power. The social contract is a philosophical concept theorizing the implicit agreement among individuals to form a society and accept certain obligations for mutual benefit. Checks and balances describe the system in which each branch of government can limit the powers of the others, ensuring that no single entity becomes too powerful. While these concepts are integral to governance, they do not specifically capture the essence of authority being vested in the people as popular sovereignty does.