Sovereign

Definition

A sovereign refers to the ultimate authority in a political entity, possessing the power to govern itself without interference from external forces. In the context of governance, sovereignty embodies the concept of political independence and self-determination, allowing a state to exercise its authority and make decisions regarding its laws, policies, and affairs. Sovereignty is crucial for understanding the structure and functions of parliamentary systems, as it establishes the foundation upon which legislative power and government authority rest.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sovereignty is often divided into internal sovereignty, which relates to a state's ability to govern itself, and external sovereignty, which refers to recognition by other states.
2. In modern democratic systems, sovereignty is typically vested in the people, who exercise it through elected representatives in parliament.
3. The concept of sovereignty has evolved over time, influenced by changes in international law, globalization, and human rights norms.
4. Sovereignty is a key factor in understanding the relationship between national governments and international organizations, such as the United Nations.
5. Conflicts over sovereignty can arise when external entities attempt to influence or intervene in a state's internal affairs, leading to tensions between national interests and global governance.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of sovereignty relate to the powers held by Parliament?
  • Sovereignty is foundational to the powers held by Parliament, as it provides the legal authority for lawmakers to create, amend, or repeal laws without external interference. In a sovereign state, Parliament acts as the embodiment of the will of the people, exercising legislative power that is essential for governance. Understanding this relationship helps clarify how parliamentary sovereignty operates within a framework that ensures that elected representatives maintain ultimate control over national legislation.
• Discuss how parliamentary sovereignty can create tensions with other branches of government within a sovereign state.
  • Parliamentary sovereignty can lead to tensions with other branches of government, such as the judiciary or executive, especially when there are disputes over interpretations of laws or constitutional principles. For example, while Parliament can pass laws reflecting its sovereign will, the judiciary may challenge those laws on constitutional grounds, leading to conflicts about authority and interpretation. Such dynamics illustrate the complex interplay between different branches of government while still maintaining the principle of sovereignty within the state.
• Evaluate the impact of globalization on national sovereignty and how it affects parliamentary functions.
  • Globalization has significantly impacted national sovereignty by introducing complex interdependencies between states and international entities. As nations engage in treaties and agreements that require them to conform to international standards, this can limit their ability to act independently in certain areas, potentially affecting parliamentary functions. Legislators must balance national interests with global commitments, creating challenges in maintaining full sovereign control while addressing global issues such as trade, climate change, and human rights. This evolving landscape requires parliaments to adapt their legislative processes to navigate both domestic priorities and international obligations.

Related terms

Parliamentary Sovereignty: A principle in parliamentary systems where the legislature has the supreme legal authority to create or end any law without being subject to judicial review.

Constitutional Monarchy: A form of governance where a monarch acts as head of state within the parameters set by a constitution, sharing sovereignty with an elected parliament.

Statehood: The status of being a recognized independent nation, which includes the capacity for self-governance and international relations.