Popular sovereignty

Definition

Popular sovereignty is the principle that the authority of a government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, often expressed through voting. This concept emphasizes that the power rests with the populace rather than a monarch or elite, making it a foundational idea in democratic systems. During the evolution of political parties in the United States, especially in the context of the Second Party System, popular sovereignty played a critical role in debates over issues like slavery and territorial expansion.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Popular sovereignty was a key issue during the debates over the extension of slavery into new territories, particularly in the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854.
2. The concept was appealing to many because it allowed residents of a territory to vote on whether to permit slavery, reflecting their will directly.
3. Popular sovereignty was a significant factor in increasing political tensions between pro-slavery and anti-slavery factions, leading to violent confrontations known as 'Bleeding Kansas.'
4. As political parties evolved during this time, popular sovereignty was championed by the Democratic Party but was met with criticism from Whigs and abolitionists who viewed it as enabling the spread of slavery.
5. The failure of popular sovereignty to resolve the slavery issue ultimately contributed to the fragmentation of political parties and the rise of new factions leading up to the Civil War.

Review Questions

• How did popular sovereignty influence political alliances and conflicts during the evolution of the Second Party System?
  • Popular sovereignty significantly influenced political alliances by creating divisions within and between parties. The Democratic Party supported popular sovereignty as a means for territories to decide on slavery, attracting Southern voters. Conversely, this stance alienated many Northern Democrats and led to conflicts with the Whig Party, which largely opposed the expansion of slavery. The resulting tensions helped shape new political movements and realignments during this era.
• What were the consequences of popular sovereignty on the sectional tensions in the United States during this period?
  • The adoption of popular sovereignty exacerbated sectional tensions by allowing territories to choose their stance on slavery. This led to fierce disputes between pro-slavery advocates and abolitionists, particularly highlighted by events like 'Bleeding Kansas.' The inability of popular sovereignty to provide a stable solution to the slavery question deepened divisions between North and South, ultimately contributing to the Civil War.
• Evaluate how popular sovereignty reflected the broader democratic principles in American politics and its limitations in addressing complex social issues.
  • Popular sovereignty embodied democratic ideals by emphasizing that government derives its power from the consent of the governed. However, its application revealed significant limitations, particularly regarding complex issues like slavery. While it aimed to empower citizens in decision-making, it often resulted in increased conflict rather than resolution. This contradiction showcased how democratic principles can struggle when confronted with deeply entrenched social divides, highlighting an ongoing tension in American politics about representation and moral questions.

Related terms

Democratic Party:

A major political party in the United States that evolved from the Democratic-Republican Party and embraced principles like popular sovereignty, particularly in advocating for states' rights.

Whig Party:

A political party formed in opposition to the Democratic Party, which focused on modernization and reform, and had differing views on issues like popular sovereignty, especially regarding the expansion of slavery into new territories.

Compromise of 1850: A set of laws passed to ease tensions between slave and free states, which included popular sovereignty as a method to determine whether new territories would allow slavery.