belonging to the citizenry; residing in the people
Almost exclusively used in the fixed phrase 主権在民 (sovereignty resides in the people). Rarely appears independently.
See also: 主権在民
The Constitution of Japan makes sovereignty of the people a fundamental principle.
popular sovereignty; sovereignty of the people
Compound of 在 (ざい, 'to reside, exist') and 民 (みん, 'people, citizenry'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it follows classical Chinese-style word formation.