Sovereignty

Definition

Sovereignty is the supreme authority within a territory. It refers to the ultimate and absolute power of a state or political entity to govern itself and its people without external interference or control.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sovereignty is a fundamental concept in the study of power and authority, as it defines the ultimate decision-making power within a political system.
2. The forms of government, such as monarchy, democracy, and dictatorship, are all based on different conceptions and distributions of sovereignty.
3. Theoretical perspectives on government and power, like social contract theory and pluralism, often focus on the nature and limits of state sovereignty.
4. The principle of sovereignty is closely tied to the notion of non-interference, which means that states have the right to govern their internal affairs without external intervention.
5. The concept of sovereignty has evolved over time, with debates around the role of international organizations and human rights in limiting the absolute power of states.

Review Questions

• Explain how the concept of sovereignty relates to the distribution of power and authority within a political system.
  • Sovereignty is the foundation of power and authority in a political system, as it defines the ultimate decision-making power and the right to govern without external interference. The forms of government, such as monarchy, democracy, and dictatorship, are all based on different conceptions and distributions of sovereignty. For example, in a monarchy, sovereignty is vested in the monarch, while in a democracy, sovereignty is derived from the people. Understanding the role of sovereignty is crucial for analyzing the balance of power and the legitimacy of political authority within a state.
• Describe how theoretical perspectives on government and power, such as social contract theory and pluralism, address the concept of sovereignty.
  • Theoretical perspectives on government and power often grapple with the nature and limits of state sovereignty. Social contract theory, for instance, posits that individuals surrender some of their individual sovereignty to the state in exchange for protection and the maintenance of order. Pluralism, on the other hand, challenges the idea of absolute state sovereignty by recognizing the existence of multiple power centers and interest groups within a political system. These perspectives explore the tension between the sovereignty of the state and the rights and autonomy of individuals or other social entities, shaping our understanding of the role and limits of government power.
• Analyze how the evolution of the concept of sovereignty has been influenced by the emergence of international organizations and the growing emphasis on human rights.
  • The traditional notion of absolute state sovereignty has been increasingly challenged by the rise of international organizations and the growing emphasis on human rights. The principle of non-interference, which is closely tied to sovereignty, has been questioned as international bodies and treaties have sought to address issues that were once considered the exclusive domain of states. Additionally, the recognition of universal human rights has led to debates about the extent to which states can exercise unrestricted power over their citizens, potentially limiting their sovereignty. This evolving understanding of sovereignty reflects the changing dynamics of global governance and the ongoing tension between the autonomy of states and the need for international cooperation and accountability.

Related terms

Absolute Sovereignty: The complete and unrestricted power of a state or ruler to govern without any limitations or constraints.

Popular Sovereignty: The principle that the authority of a state's government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, who are the source of all political power.

National Sovereignty: The exclusive right of a nation to exercise supreme political authority within its territorial borders and over its population.