Info...
- The doctrine that sovereign power is vested in the people and that those chosen to govern must exercise it in conformity
- The doctrine that the inhabitants of a territory should be free from federal interference in determining their own domestic policy especially in whether or not to allow slavery
- Popular sovereignty is reflected in the enumerated powers, and in the Ninth and Tenth Amendments
- It's the concept that political and legislative power resides with the citizens
- Popular sovereignty was first termed “squatter sovereignty” by John C. Calhoun and that designation was adopted by its critics, which included proslavery Southerners and many New Englanders.
- Popular sovereignty means that the mandate of the people created government, and that political power comes from the people. But, in practice, political leaders abuse their power because they consider themselves sovereigns, instead of public servants.
Fun Facts...
- The Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 was based on this idea
- The concept this belief is based upon is of the social contract and the idea that government should be for the benefit of the citizens
- The concept was widely popularized by Stephen A. Douglas in 1854
Real Life Examples...
- Kansas Nebraska Statehood (Slavery or Free)
- If that nation's sovereign freedoms are violated then things must be done to preserve those freedoms.