What is the principle of popular sovereignty?

The principle of popular sovereignty is rooted in the idea that government authority originates from the will and consent of the governed. This concept is foundational to democratic systems, asserting that the legitimacy of government is derived from the people’s choice and participation. When citizens engage in the electoral process, they express their preferences and grant power to elected officials, confirming that the authority of the state must reflect the collective will of its populace.

This principle contrasts sharply with notions such as limited government authority, which, while important in protecting individual rights, does not specifically emphasize the source of governmental power as being derived from the people. Additionally, the concept of divine right, which claims that rulers derive their authority from a higher power, directly opposes the belief in popular sovereignty by implying that citizens have no control over their leaders. Lastly, prioritizing military strength does not relate to the source of governmental authority but rather suggests a focus on military capabilities, which is distinctly separate from the principles of governance based on citizen participation and consent.