Popular Sovereignty

Definition

Popular Sovereignty is a belief that ultimate power resides in the people (rule by the people). Without popular sovereignty there is no democracy. In the Federalist Papers, James Madison referred to the people as the "fountain of authority," the root of all governmental power. Where there is a dictator or unelected ruler there is a lack of popular sovereignty, but there is probably no shortage of statues of the leader. Despots tend to like to put up lots of statues of themselves.

Example

Questions

1. What does popular sovereignty mean in your own words?

2. Use popular sovereignty in a sentence: ("popular sovereignty is a word," doesn't count!)

3. Think of an example of popular sovereignty in current events:

4. Find an emoji which illustrates the meaning of popular sovereignty:

5. How would you know if you were in a country that lacked popular sovereignty?

6. What is one way a people can maintain sovereignty over their government?

7. If Joseph Biden could get away with it, do you think he would get rid of popular sovereignty and be president for life?

8. Did the Framers’ want popular sovereignty?

9. Does the Constitution ensure popular sovereignty?

10. What is the opposite of popular sovereignty?

Remember!

Now, let’s commit this term to our long-term memory. On a scrap piece of paper, take 10 or 20 seconds to draw popular sovereignty! Draw with symbols or stick figures if you wish. Nothing fancy. Don’t expect a masterpiece. No one else will see this but you. Look at your drawing. That’s all - now it’s downloaded into your memory. Destroy the piece of paper in a most delightful way.

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Further Review

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