| 1. | the doctrine that sovereign power is vested in the people and that those chosen to govern, as trustees of such power, must exercise it in conformity with the general will. |
| 2. | American History. (before the Civil War) a doctrine, held chiefly by the opponents of the abolitionists, that the people living in a territory should be free of federal interference in determining domestic policy, esp. with respect to slavery. |
| Main Entry: | popular sovereignty |
| Part of Speech: | n |
| Definition: | the concept that political and legislative power resides with the citizens |