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.

---

Further Review

High Five AP Government & Politics Exam Review Completely Updated for 2024

$15.00

Prepare for the 2024 AP® US Government Exam with High Five! Our Exam Review guide is completely redesigned and updated with over 140 pages of great AP Exam review material. Tons of completed graphic organizers are full of information to get you exam-ready in a flash.

This 2024 exam guide is an instant download and contains all the following resources.

• Overview of the U.S. Government and Politics exam. 

• Completed graphic organizers for all required documents + Supreme Court cases. 

• Guide to the skills and content for all 5 course units. 

• Essential vocabulary with link to online glossary.

• Tons of Graphic Organizers with answers from each course unit.

• GoPo Pro Tips.

• Exam review Guides.

• Full Length AP multiple choice + Free Response Exam with Key.

AP ® is a trademark registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse, this site or product.

GoPoPro does not offer credit or grades for our classes or products.

BUY NOW