Popular sovereignty

Definition

Popular sovereignty is the principle that the authority of a government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, through their elected representatives. This idea emphasizes that political power resides with the people, who have the right to decide on governance and laws, laying a foundation for democratic systems. It reflects the belief that government should be accountable to its citizens and that they have a say in their own governance.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concept of popular sovereignty was a significant influence in the formation of state governments after independence, leading to constitutions based on democratic principles.
2. Popular sovereignty became a key issue in debates surrounding slavery and territorial expansion in the United States, notably during the Kansas-Nebraska Act.
3. The phrase 'popular sovereignty' is often linked to the ideas of Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke, who emphasized individual rights and governmental accountability.
4. During the American Revolution, popular sovereignty challenged traditional monarchical rule, advocating for a government created by and accountable to the people.
5. The success of popular sovereignty in America served as an inspiration for other revolutions around the world, demonstrating the power of collective decision-making by citizens.

Review Questions

• How did popular sovereignty shape the formation of state governments in post-Revolution America?
  • After gaining independence, popular sovereignty significantly influenced how state governments were structured. The principle established that government authority must derive from the consent of the governed, leading to the creation of state constitutions that included elected representatives. This created a foundation for democracy at both local and national levels, ensuring that citizens had a direct role in shaping their laws and governance.
• In what ways did popular sovereignty influence revolutionary movements outside of America, particularly during the French Revolution?
  • Popular sovereignty played a crucial role in inspiring revolutionary movements beyond American borders, especially during the French Revolution. The idea that power rests with the people resonated with those seeking to overthrow monarchies and establish representative governments. As revolutionaries in France embraced this concept, they pushed for greater civic participation and accountability from their leaders, reflecting a shift towards democratic ideals similar to those emerging in America.
• Evaluate the impact of popular sovereignty on modern democratic principles globally, considering its origins from the American Revolution.
  • The impact of popular sovereignty on modern democratic principles can be seen globally as it laid foundational ideas for governance that emphasizes citizen participation and rights. Emerging from the American Revolution, this principle has influenced various democratic movements worldwide, promoting ideas such as universal suffrage, human rights, and governmental accountability. In evaluating its legacy, one can see how societies adopt and adapt these concepts to establish systems where governance truly reflects the will of the people, highlighting its enduring significance across different cultures and political landscapes.

Related terms

Social Contract: A philosophical theory suggesting that individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to form an organized society and be governed in exchange for protection of their rights.

Republicanism: A political ideology centered around the idea of a republic, where the power resides in elected individuals representing the citizen body.

Consent of the Governed: A political theory that states that a government's legitimacy and moral right to use state power is justified and lawful only when consented to by the people.