Popular sovereignty

Definition

Popular sovereignty is the principle that the authority of a state and its government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, through their elected representatives. This concept emphasizes that the power rests in the hands of the people, allowing them to determine their own political fate and make decisions about governance. It emerged during a time of enlightenment thinking, challenging traditional forms of governance and promoting democratic ideals.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The concept of popular sovereignty was significantly influenced by Enlightenment thinkers like John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau, who argued for the rights of individuals and collective decision-making.
2. In American history, popular sovereignty played a crucial role in debates over slavery in new territories, as seen in the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854.
3. The phrase 'we the people' in the U.S. Constitution embodies the idea of popular sovereignty, indicating that the government's authority comes from its citizens.
4. Popular sovereignty led to movements for self-determination, inspiring groups around the world to demand democratic rights and governance.
5. This principle stands in contrast to monarchies or authoritarian regimes where power is concentrated in a single ruler or group without input from the populace.

Review Questions

• How did Enlightenment thinkers influence the development of popular sovereignty?
  • Enlightenment thinkers such as John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau greatly influenced popular sovereignty by advocating for the idea that governments derive their power from the consent of the governed. They argued that individuals have natural rights and that political authority should reflect the will of the people. These ideas encouraged a shift away from absolute monarchies towards systems where citizens had a voice in governance.
• Discuss how popular sovereignty was applied in American politics during the debates over slavery.
  • In American politics, popular sovereignty was applied through legislative measures like the Kansas-Nebraska Act, which allowed settlers in those territories to decide whether to allow slavery. This concept fueled significant conflict, leading to violent confrontations known as 'Bleeding Kansas.' The application of popular sovereignty in this context highlighted the tensions between states' rights and federal authority while also illustrating how this principle could lead to divisive outcomes.
• Evaluate the implications of popular sovereignty for contemporary democratic movements around the world.
  • The implications of popular sovereignty for contemporary democratic movements are profound, as it serves as a foundation for advocating individual rights and self-governance. Movements around the globe have drawn upon this principle to challenge authoritarian regimes and demand accountability from their governments. By emphasizing that political power should rest with the people, these movements foster a culture of participation and engagement, pushing for reforms that reflect citizens' desires and aspirations in their respective societies.

Related terms

Social Contract: The theory that individuals give up certain freedoms to form a society and maintain order, with the government being accountable to the people's will.

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

Constitutionalism: The principle that government authority derives from and is limited by a body of fundamental law or constitution, reflecting the will of the people.