Popular Sovereignty
What term refers to the notion that the sovereign people of a given territory should decide whether to allow slavery? Seemingly a compromise, it was largely opposed by Northern abolitionists who feared it would promote the spread of slavery to the territories.
Popular sovereignty is a political principle that holds that the ultimate source of authority or power in a government is invested in the people. This means that the people have the right to determine their own political future and make decisions about how they want to be governed.
The concept of popular sovereignty has long been an important idea in democratic theory and is relevant to many political systems around the world. It represents the idea that the people are the ultimate authority in a democratic system, and that their will should be respected and reflected in government policies and decision-making.
In practice, popular sovereignty means that power is derived from the consent of the governed. This may be done through fair and open elections, where citizens have the opportunity to choose their representatives and leaders. It can also be seen through the use of referendums, where the people can vote directly on specific policy issues or constitutional changes.
Popular sovereignty is a foundational principle of democratic governance and underscores the importance of individual rights and freedoms. It also highlights the need for transparency and accountability in government, ensuring that leaders are held responsible to the will of the people they serve.
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