What is popular sovereignty?

Popular sovereignty is the principle that the authority of a government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, typically expressed through their elected representatives. It emphasizes that the power of governing ultimately lies with the citizenry, who have the right to vote and influence governmental decisions, reflecting their collective will. This concept is fundamental in democratic societies, where the legitimacy of political power comes from the majority's approval.

In contrast to forms of governance such as oligarchy, monarchy, or dictatorship, which concentrate power in the hands of a few, a single ruler, or a particular group, respectively, popular sovereignty champions the idea that all citizens have a voice and a stake in the governing process. As a result, this principle is crucial for understanding democratic systems and the role of citizen participation in the political sphere.