Sovereignty

Definition

Sovereignty refers to the ultimate authority or power of a state to govern itself and make decisions free from external interference. It is a foundational concept in political philosophy that connects to the formation of governments, the legitimacy of authority, and the rights of individuals within a society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sovereignty can be understood in two main forms: internal sovereignty, which refers to the authority within a state, and external sovereignty, which pertains to recognition by other states.
2. The concept of sovereignty has evolved from medieval times, where it was linked to divine rights of kings, to modern ideas emphasizing popular sovereignty and democratic governance.
3. In social contract theory, sovereignty is often associated with the collective will of the people, where government authority is derived from the consent of the governed.
4. Sovereignty faces challenges in the context of globalization, as international agreements and organizations can limit a state's autonomy over certain issues.
5. The principle of sovereignty is central to debates on human rights, as it raises questions about state responsibilities toward their citizens versus non-interference from external powers.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of sovereignty relate to the ideas presented in social contract theory?
  • In social contract theory, sovereignty is tied to the idea that a government’s authority comes from the consent of the governed. This means that individuals agree to give up some freedoms in exchange for security and order provided by the state. The legitimacy of sovereign power is dependent on its ability to represent the general will of the people, establishing a connection between individual rights and collective governance.
• Discuss how the understanding of sovereignty has changed from medieval political philosophy to modern political thought.
  • In medieval political philosophy, sovereignty was often viewed through the lens of divine right and monarchy, where kings ruled by God's authority. However, with the rise of Renaissance political theory and later Enlightenment ideas, sovereignty shifted towards concepts like popular sovereignty, where power originates from the people rather than divine mandate. This evolution marked a critical transition towards democratic governance and individual rights, changing how states interact with their citizens.
• Evaluate how challenges to sovereignty in today's globalized world impact state authority and political obligation.
  • In an increasingly interconnected world, sovereignty is challenged by international laws and organizations that can limit a state's decision-making abilities. This raises questions about political obligation, as citizens may feel torn between loyalty to their nation-state and adherence to global norms or humanitarian principles. Such tensions force a reevaluation of what it means for states to maintain authority while also fulfilling their responsibilities towards their citizens in light of global standards.

Related terms

Social Contract:

An implicit agreement among individuals to form a government that provides protection and social order in exchange for some of their freedoms.

State Authority: The legitimate power held by a governing body to enact laws, enforce them, and manage public affairs within its territory.

Political Obligation:

The moral duty of citizens to obey the laws of their state in exchange for protection and the benefits of social order.