What is the principle of popular sovereignty?

The principle of popular sovereignty is fundamentally rooted in the idea that the authority of a government is derived from the consent and will of the people it governs. This concept emphasizes that power and legitimacy come from the populace, highlighting the importance of democracy in political systems. When the government represents the will of the people and operates with their approval, it validates its existence and authority. This principle liberates the notion of governance from being imposed by a ruling elite or monarchy, promoting the idea that citizens have the right to determine their own political system and make decisions regarding their governance through mechanisms such as voting and civic engagement.

While the belief in a strong central government, the principle of separation of powers, and states' rights pertain to governance structures, they do not capture the essence of popular sovereignty, which is fundamentally about the people's role in granting authority to their government.