Popular sovereignty

Definition

Popular sovereignty is the principle that the authority of a government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, typically through their elected representatives. This idea emphasizes that the legitimacy of political power comes from the will of the governed, allowing citizens to exercise control over their government and its policies. The concept is deeply rooted in democratic thought and has significant implications for governance and individual rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The notion of popular sovereignty played a crucial role in the American Revolution, as colonists sought to establish a government accountable to the people rather than a distant monarchy.
2. In the context of the Declaration of Independence, popular sovereignty is reflected in the assertion that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed.
3. The phrase 'we the people' from the U.S. Constitution illustrates the principle of popular sovereignty by emphasizing collective authority.
4. Popular sovereignty was a contentious issue during debates over slavery in new territories, leading to significant political conflict such as the Kansas-Nebraska Act.
5. The idea is foundational to many democratic systems worldwide, influencing movements for self-determination and civil rights throughout history.

Review Questions

• How does the principle of popular sovereignty influence the relationship between government and its citizens?
  • Popular sovereignty establishes that government authority is dependent on the consent of its citizens, meaning that political power should reflect the will and desires of the people. This creates a framework where individuals have the right to influence legislation and hold their leaders accountable. If a government fails to represent its citizens or act in their interests, those citizens are justified in seeking change or even revolution.
• Discuss how popular sovereignty is portrayed in the Declaration of Independence and its implications for American governance.
  • The Declaration of Independence embodies popular sovereignty through its assertion that governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed. This assertion implies that if a government becomes destructive to those ends, it is not only the right but also the duty of the people to alter or abolish it. This concept set a precedent for American governance, highlighting accountability and responsiveness as central tenets of democracy.
• Evaluate how popular sovereignty contributed to tensions surrounding slavery in 19th-century America and its impact on national unity.
  • Popular sovereignty became a divisive issue in 19th-century America as it was proposed as a solution for determining whether new territories would permit slavery. This led to significant conflicts, particularly with events like 'Bleeding Kansas,' where pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions clashed violently. The struggle over popular sovereignty highlighted deep regional divisions and ultimately contributed to tensions that precipitated the Civil War, revealing how this democratic principle can both empower citizens and exacerbate societal conflicts.

Related terms

Consent of the Governed: The idea that a government's legitimacy stems from the consent and agreement of the people it governs.

Democracy: A system of government in which power is vested in the people, who exercise that power directly or through elected representatives.

Social Contract: The philosophical concept that individuals consent to form a government and abide by its rules in exchange for protection of their rights.