What is popular sovereignty?

Popular sovereignty is the concept that the authority of a government is created and sustained by the consent of its people. This principle is foundational to democratic governance, where the power of the state is ultimately derived from the will and preferences of its citizens. It underscores the idea that the legitimacy of government comes from the governed, meaning that those in power must adhere to the will of the people.

The essence of popular sovereignty is reflected in mechanisms such as voting, public discourse, and civic engagement, all of which allow individuals to express their preferences and hold their leaders accountable. This concept is vital because it affirms that the government exists to serve the interests of the people rather than existing as an independent entity. In contrast to options that suggest government authority rests on monarchy or operates independently of citizen involvement, popular sovereignty emphasizes that the collective voice of the populace is paramount in shaping laws and policies.