As expected there were lots of web pages with lots of views. I read more than I really wanted to do, but there was a common theme.
The short answer is that all developed countries (including the USA) have a similar system, whereby the people freely elect governments to pass rules and regulations. The ultimate power does rest with the people as they can sack a government at the next election. Some countries without fixed terms can end up having earlier elections. However, obviously in all developed countries the government of the day exercises the people's sovereignty on their behalf.
The were some interesting web pages that discussed how the US Tea Party has been pushing this individual sovereignty (anarchy) theme, and there is separately a loose coalition of anarchists that have a petition and believe in it fervently. Estimates are that about 300,000 somewhat believe it, and of those there are 100,000 fervent believers. Not a lot out of 330 Million. Law enforcement agencies in the US are monitoring the more committed ones and some actually lump them in with terrorists. Any clicks on your phone line Peter?
gcomeau wrote:PeterZ wrote:The difference is where the authority to make most of those decision stems from.
And as I just rather clearly pointed out to you there is no difference.
In the US: Citizens.
France? Citizens.
Britain? Citizens.
Canada? Citizens.
Australia? Citizens.
Germany? Citizens.
Spain? Citizens.
Italy? Citizens.
Greece? Citizens.
Sweden? Citizens.
New Zealand? Citizens.
Etc...
Because they **ALL REGULARLY ELECT THEIR GOVERNMENTS.**