Popular Sovereignty

Worksheet Description

This worksheet focuses on one of the foundational principles underpinning the United States Constitution. Popular sovereignty emphasizes the idea that the authority of a state and its government is created and sustained by the consent of its people. To delve into this concept, the worksheet poses three main questions: the definition of popular sovereignty, its significance to the framers of the Constitution, and the reasons people might seek to alter or replace their government. Each question offers blank spaces for students to write their responses, encouraging them to think deeply about the principle’s implications.

The worksheet’s primary objective is to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of the principle of popular sovereignty among students. It challenges them to reflect on the rationale behind the concept, prompting recognition of its pivotal role in democratic governance. By pondering the motivations for changing or replacing a government, students are encouraged to think critically about the societal and political circumstances that might necessitate such actions. Ultimately, the worksheet seeks to underscore the significance of the people’s voice and agency in shaping the course and structure of governance.