Which concept is fundamental to the idea of self-government?

The concept that is fundamental to self-government is that the people elect representatives. This principle is rooted in democratic systems where citizens exercise their power by choosing individuals to represent their interests in a legislative or governing body. By electing representatives, the populace ensures that their voices, concerns, and needs are addressed within the government framework.

This representative model allows for a more structured and organized form of governance, where elected officials are responsible for making decisions on behalf of their constituents. It encapsulates the idea that authority originates from the consent of the governed, which is a cornerstone of democratic theory and practice.

In contrast, the other options do not align with the essence of self-governance. The notion that everyone votes on every issue would be impractical in larger societies and does not capture the representative nature of most modern democracies. The government having absolute power directly contradicts the principles of self-government, as this implies a lack of accountability to the people. Similarly, if government officials are not accountable, it undermines the very foundation of democracy, where officials are expected to answer to the electorate and uphold the interests of the public.