Popular sovereignty was the idea that apex?

Answer 1

Popular sovereignty was the idea that the authority of the government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, often expressed through their elected representatives. This principle asserts that the legitimacy of state power derives from the will of the populace, particularly in determining issues like slavery in the context of American history. It played a significant role in the debates leading up to the Civil War, as territories sought to decide for themselves whether to permit slavery. Ultimately, popular sovereignty emphasizes the importance of democratic participation in governance.