Sovereignty ultimately resides in the people within a political society. This means that the ultimate power and authority to make decisions and govern a country rests with its citizens, rather than with any individual leader, branch of government, or external force. In a democratic system, the people exercise their sovereignty through regular elections and other forms of political participation, and elected officials are accountable to the people for their actions. The principle of popular sovereignty is a key element of many modern democratic systems, reflecting the belief that government should be of the people, by the people, and for the people.