Popular Sovereignty

Definition

Popular sovereignty is a doctrine stating that people should have the right to rule themselves. In U.S. history, this often refers specifically to letting states or territories decide for themselves whether or not to allow slavery.

Related terms

Kansas-Nebraska Act: An act passed in 1854 allowing settlers in Kansas and Nebraska territories decide whether they would allow slavery within their borders based on popular sovereignty.

Compromise of 1850: A series of laws passed by Congress aimed at resolving territorial and slavery controversies arising from Mexican-American War; included use of popular sovereignty principle.

Dred Scott Decision: An infamous Supreme Court ruling in 1857 that denied African Americans citizenship rights and endorsed popular sovereignty.