Explanation

The concept of political sovereignty has been developed by several thinkers, including Jean-Jacques Rousseau, John Locke, and John Austin. Jean-Jacques Rousseau The French philosopher (1712–1778) is considered one of the most influential thinkers on popular sovereignty. He believed that the people are the legitimate sovereign and that the state’s authority comes from the general will of the people. His ideas influenced the American Declaration of Independence in 1776. John Locke The English philosopher (1632–1704) believed that people consent to give the government certain powers in exchange for protection. He believed that majority rule is necessary for popular consent. John Austin The English jurist (1790–1859) believed that sovereignty is vested in a nation’s parliament. The concept of popular sovereignty is based on the idea that the people are the ultimate source of power and authority. It forms the basis of democracy.