popular sovereignty

American  

[pop-yuh-ler sov-rin-tee, suhv-rin-tee] / ˈpɒp yə lər ˈsɒv rɪn ti, ˈsʌv rɪn ti /

noun

1. 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.

2. 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.

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popular sovereignty British  

noun

1. (in the pre-Civil War US) the doctrine that the inhabitants of a territory should be free from federal interference in determining their own domestic policy, esp in deciding whether or not to allow slavery

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Etymology

Origin of popular sovereignty

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50

Example Sentences

A free Venezuela’s foreign policy will rest on four pillars: “respect for international law, the defense of popular sovereignty, the promotion of freedom and democracy worldwide, and joint action against transnational organized crime.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 28, 2025

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

The Court had actually swept away the dogma of "popular sovereignty" in the Territories.

From The Middle Period 1817-1858 by Burgess, John William