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Popular Sovereignty

Definition

Popular sovereignty is a principle stating that all government power comes from the people. The government exists only with consent from its citizens who are the source of all authority.

Analogy

Consider popular sovereignty as a school dance committee. The students (the people) elect representatives (government) who will make decisions about themes, decorations, music etc., but ultimately it’s up to students' votes (consent) on those decisions for them to be implemented.

Related terms

Democracy: A system of government where power lies with the people who rule either directly or through elected representatives – just like how songs at a dance might be chosen by majority vote.

Constitutionalism: This term refers to adherence to a constitution which limits powers of government officials – similar to rules set by school administration for what can or cannot happen at the dance.

Consent of Governed: This phrase means that citizens agree on who their rulers will be – much like students agreeing on who should serve on their dance committee.