What is the idea of popular sovereignty?

The concept of popular sovereignty is fundamentally rooted in the principle that the legitimacy and authority of a government arise from the consent and will of the people it governs. This idea reflects a democratic philosophy where the power resides with the people, and they have the right to influence and determine how they are governed. In essence, a government is deemed valid only if it operates with the approval and support of the citizenry, reinforcing the belief that the people have a crucial role in shaping their political and social structures.

This principle has historical significance in the development of democratic systems, especially in contexts such as the drafting of the United States Constitution, where the Framers expressed the belief that government should be of the people, by the people, and for the people. It also signifies the importance of civic engagement, voting, and public participation in governance, emphasizing that the government serves its citizens and not the other way around.