QUESTION 40Which statement represents a characteristic of democracy? A. Religious leaders control government policy. B. Citizens are the source of power in government. C. The government limits the thoughts and actions of the people. D. The laws of the government are made by influential military officers.

To answer the question step by step, let's analyze each statement to determine which one represents a characteristic of democracy.

A. "Religious leaders control government policy."

• In a democracy, government policy is typically determined by elected representatives, not religious leaders. This statement does not represent a characteristic of democracy.

B. "Citizens are the source of power in government."

• In a democracy, the power of the government is derived from the consent of the governed, meaning that citizens have the ultimate authority through voting and participation in the political process. This statement accurately represents a characteristic of democracy.

C. "The government limits the thoughts and actions of the people."

• Democracies generally protect individual freedoms and rights, including freedom of thought and action, as long as they do not infringe on the rights of others. This statement does not represent a characteristic of democracy.

D. "The laws of the government are made by influential military officers."

• In a democracy, laws are typically made by elected representatives in a legislative body, not by military officers. This statement does not represent a characteristic of democracy.

Based on the analysis, the correct statement that represents a characteristic of democracy is:

B. Citizens are the source of power in government.