Popular Sovereignty
Popular sovereignty is the principle that the authority of a state and its government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, through their elected representatives. In simpler terms, it is the idea that the people have the ultimate power and authority in a government.
Key Concepts:
- Government by Consent: Popular sovereignty emphasizes that the government's authority is derived from the will of the people. This means that the government exists to serve the people and must act in accordance with their wishes.
- Democratic Principles: This concept aligns with the democratic principles of self-governance, where the people have the right to participate in decision-making processes through voting and elections.
- Constitutional Basis: In the United States, popular sovereignty is reflected in the preamble to the Constitution, which begins with the phrase "We the People," emphasizing the ultimate authority of the citizens.
Historical Context:
Popular sovereignty played a significant role in the development of democratic societies, particularly during the age of revolutions. It was a key principle in the American Revolution, as well as in movements for independence and self-governance around the world.
Study Guide:
- What is popular sovereignty and how does it relate to the authority of a state?
- Explain the concept of government by consent and its significance in popular sovereignty.
- Discuss the connection between popular sovereignty and democratic principles.
- How is popular sovereignty reflected in the preamble to the United States Constitution?
- Identify a historical event or movement where popular sovereignty played a significant role.
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Worksheet/Answer keyWorksheet/Answer keyThe resources above cover the following skills:
National Curriculum Standards for Social Studies (NCSS)
PEOPLE, PLACES, AND ENVIRONMENTS
SOCIAL STUDIES PROGRAMS SHOULD INCLUDE EXPERIENCES THAT PROVIDE FOR THE STUDY OF PEOPLE, PLACES, AND ENVIRONMENTS.
KNOWLEDGE - Learners will understand:
Concerts such as: location, region, place, and migration, as well as human and physical systems.
The concept of regions identifies links between people in different locations according to specific criteria (e.g., physical, economic, social, cultural, or religious).
PROCESSES - Learners will be able to:
Ask and find answers to geographic questions related to regions, nations, and the world in the past and present.