Popular Sovereignty
/ˈpɒpjələr ˈsɒvrɪnti/
Definitions
- (n.) The doctrine that the authority of a state and its government are created and sustained by the consent of its people, through their elected representatives.
Popular sovereignty was invoked to justify the establishment of a new government by the people.
- (n.) A political principle that the people residing in a territory have the right to decide by voting whether to permit slavery or other policies affecting their governance.
The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 applied popular sovereignty to determine the status of slavery in new territories.
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Commentary
Popular sovereignty underpins democratic governance but may entail tensions when applied to contentious issues like slavery or secession.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.