squatter sovereignty

American  

noun

U.S. History.

1. (used contemptuously by its opponents) popular sovereignty.

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squatter sovereignty British  

noun

1. a derogatory term for popular sovereignty

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Etymology

Origin of squatter sovereignty

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

squatter sovereignty

This amendment failed, but it served to test the good faith of those who supported the squatter sovereignty feature of the bill.

From Slavery and Four Years of War, Vol. 1-2 A Political History of Slavery in the United States Together With a Narrative of the Campaigns and Battles of the Civil War In Which the Author Took Part: 1861-1865 by Keifer, Joseph Warren

This daring statement arrested the attention of Douglas, who was making his campaign on the doctrine of "squatter sovereignty;" that is, the right of the people of each territory "to vote slavery up or down."

From History of the United States by Beard, Charles A. (Charles Austin)

The choice of the Democrats fell upon Cass; but his nomination could not be interpreted as an indorsement of his doctrine of squatter sovereignty.

From Stephen A. Douglas A Study in American Politics by Johnson, Allen

Rather an unpromising show that, as the property consisted of a tavern, built of canvas upon Colonel Fremont's Maraposa grant, on the principle of squatter sovereignty.

From Mexico and its Religion With Incidents of Travel in That Country During Parts of the Years 1851-52-53-54, and Historical Notices of Events Connected With Places Visited by Wilson, Robert A.

"It was the first assertion of the doctrine of squatter sovereignty," said the defeated claimant, recalling the incident years afterward, when both he and Douglas were in politics.

From Stephen A. Douglas A Study in American Politics by Johnson, Allen