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 concept emerged strongly during the American Revolution, reflecting the desire of colonists to assert their rights against British rule and to establish a government that derived its power from the will of the people.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The phrase 'government by the consent of the governed' captures the essence of popular sovereignty, emphasizing that political power rests with the people.
2. The notion of popular sovereignty was a radical shift from monarchies where rulers claimed divine right, marking a foundational change in governance during the American Revolution.
3. Popular sovereignty was crucial in justifying the colonists' rebellion against British authority, as it highlighted their right to self-governance.
4. The principle also influenced debates around slavery in new territories during the 19th century, leading to conflicts over whether these areas should permit slavery or not.
5. Popular sovereignty was enshrined in key documents like the Articles of Confederation and later influenced the U.S. Constitution, reflecting its lasting impact on American governance.

Review Questions

• How did popular sovereignty influence the actions taken by colonists during the American Revolution?
  • Popular sovereignty fueled the colonists' desire for independence from British rule as it emphasized their right to govern themselves. They believed that legitimate government must derive its authority from the consent of the people rather than be imposed by a distant monarchy. This belief inspired revolutionary actions and justified their fight against perceived injustices imposed by Britain, ultimately leading to the Declaration of Independence.
• In what ways did popular sovereignty shape the formation of American political institutions after independence?
  • After independence, popular sovereignty became a cornerstone of American political institutions. It guided the creation of the Articles of Confederation and later influenced the drafting of the U.S. Constitution. These documents reflected a commitment to representative government, where elected officials would act on behalf of their constituents, thus ensuring that political power remained rooted in the will of the people.
• Evaluate how popular sovereignty contributed to conflicts in America regarding issues such as slavery in new territories during the 19th century.
  • Popular sovereignty became a contentious issue in debates over slavery as it raised questions about who should decide if new territories would be free or slave states. Proponents argued that local populations should determine their status through voting, while opponents feared this would lead to the expansion of slavery. This led to significant conflicts, such as 'Bleeding Kansas', highlighting how popular sovereignty not only shaped governance but also intensified national divisions leading up to the Civil War.

Related terms

Social Contract: A theory suggesting that individuals consent, either explicitly or implicitly, to form a government that will protect their rights and provide order.

Declaration of Independence: A historic document adopted in 1776 that announced the thirteen American colonies' separation from British rule and articulated the principle of popular sovereignty.

Federalism: A system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units, allowing for representation at multiple levels.