What is popular sovereigty?

Popular sovereignty is the principle that the authority of a government is created and maintained by the consent of its people, typically through their elected representatives. It emphasizes that the legitimacy of political power derives from the will of the populace, allowing citizens to have a direct say in their governance. This concept was notably influential in the context of the American founding and debates over issues like slavery in the 19th century. Ultimately, it underscores the idea that the ultimate source of political power resides with the people.