Which of the following best describes the concept of self-government?

The concept of self-government is fundamentally rooted in the idea that the authority and legitimacy of a government arise from the will of the people it governs. When power is derived from the consent of the governed, it emphasizes democratic principles where individuals have a say in how they are governed and have the right to participate in decision-making processes. This concept is central to democratic theory and is often enshrined in foundational documents, such as constitutions.

In contrast, the other options represent forms of governance that do not align with self-government. A government controlled by a monarch reflects an autocratic system where power is concentrated in one individual, lacking the broader input of the populace. Similarly, a government managed by the military typically bypasses civilian control and democratic processes, often resulting in authoritarian rule. Lastly, limiting government to state authority alone does not inherently express the principle of self-governance, as it may still operate without the broader consent of its citizens. Thus, the essence of self-government is best captured by the idea that legitimate authority comes from the consent of the governed.