How did popular sovereignty change America?

Answer 1

Popular sovereignty, the principle that the authority of a state and its government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, significantly influenced America by empowering citizens to have a direct say in their governance. It played a crucial role in shaping debates over slavery in the 19th century, particularly in the context of new territories, leading to conflicts such as "Bleeding Kansas." This shift toward greater democratic involvement helped lay the groundwork for broader civil rights movements, ultimately contributing to the expansion of democratic ideals in American society. The concept also reinforced the belief that government should be accountable to the people, shaping future political ideologies and policies.