What is the principle of "popular sovereignty"?

What is the principle of "popular sovereignty"?

• A. The belief in a strong central government
• B. The idea that citizens have the power to govern
• C. The notion that laws should be applied universally
• D. The concept of state sovereignty over federal laws

Answer: (B)

The principle of "popular sovereignty" emphasizes that the authority of the government is derived from the consent and active participation of the citizenry. This concept embodies the belief that the people hold the ultimate power to determine the structure and governance of their society, which includes the ability to elect representatives, participate in decision-making processes, and influence legislation. This principle is foundational in democratic systems, as it assures that governmental power is not concentrated in the hands of a select few, but rather, it is vested in the collective will of the populace. Historical documents, such as the U.S. Constitution, reflect this idea by establishing a government that is accountable to the people and suggesting that representatives are chosen to act on behalf of the citizens’ interests. In contrast, beliefs in a strong central government, the universal application of laws, or state sovereignty over federal laws reflect different principles of governance and authority that do not encapsulate the essence of popular sovereignty. While these other options address critical aspects of governance and law, they do not convey the central tenet that the power resides with the people, which is at the heart of popular sovereignty.

The principle of "popular sovereignty" emphasizes that the authority of the government is derived from the consent and active participation of the citizenry. This concept embodies the belief that the people hold the ultimate power to determine the structure and governance of their society, which includes the ability to elect representatives, participate in decision-making processes, and influence legislation.

This principle is foundational in democratic systems, as it assures that governmental power is not concentrated in the hands of a select few, but rather, it is vested in the collective will of the populace. Historical documents, such as the U.S. Constitution, reflect this idea by establishing a government that is accountable to the people and suggesting that representatives are chosen to act on behalf of the citizens’ interests.

In contrast, beliefs in a strong central government, the universal application of laws, or state sovereignty over federal laws reflect different principles of governance and authority that do not encapsulate the essence of popular sovereignty. While these other options address critical aspects of governance and law, they do not convey the central tenet that the power resides with the people, which is at the heart of popular sovereignty.