What government principle allows citizens to make laws?

The principle that allows citizens to make laws is self-government. This concept emphasizes that the authority of a government comes from the consent of the governed. In a system based on self-government, the citizens actively participate in the decision-making process, which includes the creation of laws, policies, and regulations that affect their lives. This principle underscores the idea that individuals have the right to shape their own governance rather than having decisions imposed upon them by an external authority.

While direct democracy also allows for citizens to engage in law-making directly, it is specifically a system where citizens vote on laws and policies themselves, rather than through elected representatives. Self-government encompasses a broader range of participatory rights, including the ability to elect representatives, participate in public forums, and influence legislation through various means, not just through direct votes.

Federalism refers to the division of powers between national and state governments and does not inherently give citizens the power to create laws. Republicanism emphasizes a representative form of government where elected officials make decisions on behalf of the people. Thus, self-government is the most encompassing principle that grants citizens the authority to participate in the legislative process.