popular sovereignty

During the 16th and 17th centuries the doctrine of “popular sovereignty”  Emerged as an expression of resentment of the people against the despotic authority of kings and their reliance on the theory of Divine Rights.  The concept of popular sovereignty attributes ultimate sovereignty to the people. Rousseau was its great exponent, and it became a slogan of the French Revolution. The American Declaration of Independence and the U.S. constitution incorporated this principle in the preamble by affirming that Government derives its authority from the consent of the governed. Popular sovereignty has since then become the basis and watchword of democracy.

0 comments: