Popular Sovereignty
The authority of a government is created and sustained by its people through elected representatives
Real World Example
During the period of A Nation Divided (1845-1865), popular sovereignty was a key idea in resolving whether new states admitted to the Union would allow slavery. This concept meant that the people living in those territories would vote to decide the issue, rather than having it dictated by Congress. It was important because it attempted to address the tension between free and slave states, though it often led to conflict, such as in "Bleeding Kansas." Today, popular sovereignty remains important as it underpins democratic systems where citizens vote for their leaders and laws. For example, when you or your family vote in local elections, you are exercising popular sovereignty, showing how it directly impacts community decisions like school policies or public transportation.
