popular sovereignty
Americannoun
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the doctrine that sovereign power is vested in the people and that those chosen to govern, as trustees of such power, must exercise it in conformity with the general will.
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American History. (before the Civil War) a doctrine, held chiefly by the opponents of the abolitionists, that the people living in a territory should be free of federal interference in determining domestic policy, especially with respect to slavery.
noun
Etymology
Origin of popular sovereignty
An Americanism dating back to 1840–50
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
For Wilson, popular sovereignty could not be boiled down simply to direct elections and legislation; it depended also on institutions that were republican but not strictly democratic.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 23, 2026
This presumably includes upholding such precepts as the rule of law, popular sovereignty, popular consent, public accountability, separate and shared powers, and checks and balances.
From Salon ● Dec. 24, 2023
During the inquiry, which included interviews with 19 witnesses, Rubin said the comment about Douglas referred to an analogy she made about the concept of popular sovereignty, according to the report.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 2, 2023
The document would be based on the "constitutional tradition of popular sovereignty, where power and authority rest with the people of Scotland", the paper says.
From BBC ● Jun. 19, 2023
His ingenious sophistry turned popular sovereignty into a seeming contest for a principle and Illinois was being carried away by his triumphant oratory and logic.
From Lincoln, the Politician by T. Aaron Levy
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
