Hello friends welcome to Sonu live ,in this article I’m going to tell you about Popular Sovereignty which will help to write an assignment of POLITICAL THEORY(MPS-001) SECTION-II
Popular Sovereignty: Empowering the People
1. General Principle:
Popular sovereignty, at its essence, asserts that political power originates from the people themselves. It embodies the belief that a government’s legitimacy is derived from the consent of its citizens. Leaders are viewed as representatives of the populace, with their authority derived from the will of the governed.
Principle in Action:
- Direct Democracy: Citizens directly participate in decision-making processes.
- Representative Democracy: People elect officials to make decisions on their behalf.
- Right to Revolution: Citizens reserve the right to overthrow a government that fails to represent their interests.
2. Specific Historical Context (US):
In the historical context of the United States, popular sovereignty gained prominence during debates over slavery in newly acquired territories.
The Debate:
- Expansion Dilemma: The expansion of the US westward raised the issue of whether new territories would permit slavery.
The Policy:
- Championed by Senator Stephen A. Douglas: Proposed allowing residents of each territory to decide on the issue of slavery through local voting.
The Outcome:
- The Kansas-Nebraska Act: Enacted in 1854, the policy intensified sectional tensions and contributed to the outbreak of the American Civil War.
Additional Considerations:
- Complexity and Problems: While seemingly democratic, popular sovereignty can lead to contentious outcomes, as seen in its application to the slavery debate in the US.
- Modern Relevance: Despite its historical context, popular sovereignty remains a foundational principle of democracy, emphasizing citizen engagement and governmental accountability.
By understanding popular sovereignty both in its general principle and specific historical application, we grasp its significance in shaping political structures and debates throughout history.
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