Popular Sovereignty Theory and Legitimacy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64184/ajlps.V3.I1.Y2026.P%25p.241Keywords:
Sovereignty, Legitimacy, Popular theory, The nationAbstract
The theory of popular sovereignty means that the ultimate authority in the state stems from the people, rather than from a single ruler. Political legitimacy is based on the consent of the people, and legitimacy here is the foundation of the government's authority, derived from the will of the people, whom it is expected to serve. Elections, through the selection of elected representatives, are a primary embodiment of this principle.
The concept of sovereignty differs across various systems. For example, in democratic systems, the people are viewed as the source of legitimacy, whereas in some Islamic systems, divine sovereignty is seen as the basis for rule, alongside popular sovereignty as a mechanism for its application.
The core principles of this theory include:
The source of authority is the people, who are the source of political power.
The government derives its legitimacy from the consent of the people. If it ignores the will of the people, its authority becomes illegitimate.
The people exercise their authority through elected representatives. Some hold the view that the representative is an agent of the voters in their constituency and is obligated to implement their instructions.
Suffrage (the right to vote) is considered a natural right of the people, not merely a function
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1- Abd Rabbo, Ahmed (2015), article by Ahmed Abd Rabbo, "Popular Sovereignty and the Obstacles," October 18, 2015, on the website: www.shorouknew.com .
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