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What is Popular Sovereignty?
Where the word Sovereignty comes from
superanus
supreme (Latin)
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Popular sovereignty - the State derives its authority from the people
- The word 'popular' means "of the people" (it does not mean famous here).
- The word 'sovereignty' comes from the Latin superanus , meaning 'supreme' .
- It is the supreme, final and independent legal authority of a State over its territory and citizens.
- So popular sovereignty is the idea that the State derives its supreme authority from the people.
- The ultimate source of power lies with the people - not with birth, wealth or force.
Sovereignty
Popular Sovereignty
The State holds
supreme authority
That authority comes from the people
What is the meaning of 'State' here?
State and Government
not the same thing
State
The whole system that governs
Permanent
Example:
derives its authority from the people
Government
The people in charge now
Temporary
Example:
formed by winning elections
- State here means the whole system that governs a territory and its citizens.
- It does not mean Government .
Difference between State and Government
State
Government
The
whole system
that governs a territory and its citizens
The
set of people
in charge at present
Permanent
Temporary
- changes after elections
Derives its authority from the people
Formed by winning elections
How is Popular Sovereignty achieved?
How popular sovereignty works
Free and fair elections
Government formulates policies
and implements laws
Citizens vote
to elect governments
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People hand over authority - and can take it back
- Through free and fair elections .
- The elected government formulates policies and implements laws .
- Citizens exercise their right to vote to elect governments and representatives.
- This right is available to every citizen through the Universal Adult Franchise .
- So voting is the act by which people hand over authority - and can take it back.
What is Universal Adult Franchise?
Breaking up Universal Adult Franchise
Universal
every citizen
Adult
18 years and above
Franchise
the right to vote
↓
Every citizen 18 and above votes by secret ballot
- Every citizen 18 years of age and above has the right to vote through a secret ballot .
- This right is known as the Universal Adult Franchise .
Term
Meaning
Universal
Every citizen, no distinction
Adult
18 years and above
Franchise
The right to vote
- Secret ballot means no one can see whom you voted for.
- This protects the voter from pressure.
- Elections are covered in detail in the next chapter.
Think About It
Why is it important that the ultimate source of power rests with the people in a democracy?
- If power rested with a family, an army or a single leader, people would have no say in decisions that affect them.
- Because power rests with the people, the government must answer to them.
- Power becomes temporary - a government that fails can be replaced at the next election.
- It makes the government's authority rightful , because the people themselves gave it.
How does people's participation through voting strengthen popular sovereignty?
- Every vote is a citizen actually exercising the power the Constitution gives.
- High participation shows the government truly represents the people.
- Low participation weakens the claim that the government speaks for everyone.
- Voting is how an idea on paper becomes a working reality.
Questions from the Book
Q3. Which situation best reflects the idea of popular sovereignty and why?
- (a) A law is passed without public discussion
- (b) Citizens vote to choose their representatives
- (c) A court gives a final judgment
- (d) A minister takes an independent decision
Revision: Why (b) is popular sovereignty
Citizens vote
in free and fair elections
Authority handed over
to the representatives chosen
↓
The State derives its authority from the people
Answer: (b) Citizens vote to choose their representatives.
- Why: popular sovereignty means the state derives its authority from the people.
- Voting is the act by which the people give that authority.
- Why the others are wrong:
- (a) A law passed without public discussion ignores the people, so it works against popular sovereignty.
- (c) A court judgment is the rule of law and the judicial process, not the people exercising power.
- (d) A minister deciding alone is not the people acting - a minister is one representative, not the source of authority.
1. What does 'non-negotiable' mean in the phrase "non-negotiable principles"?
Show answer
That these principles cannot be bargained away or given up. Without them the system stops being a democracy.
2. What does popular sovereignty mean?
Show answer
That the state derives its authority from the people - the ultimate source of power lies with the people.
3. From which Latin word does 'sovereignty' come, and what does it mean?
Show answer
From superanus , meaning 'supreme'.
4. What is Universal Adult Franchise?
Show answer
The right of every citizen 18 years of age and above to vote through a secret ballot.
5. Why is a secret ballot important?
Show answer
Because no one can see whom a citizen voted for, so the voter cannot be pressured or punished for their choice.
