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SOVEREIGNTY

Sovereignty is the ultimate authority of a state, encompassing internal and external aspects, where internal sovereignty pertains to power over its people and external sovereignty signifies independence from other nations. It has characteristics such as originality, permanence, and exclusiveness, and can be categorized into various types including nominal vs. real and de jure vs. de facto. The concept has evolved historically, with theories like Austin's Monistic Theory advocating for absolute power in a single leader, while Pluralist Theory emphasizes the importance of multiple organizations sharing power.

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2 views2 pages

SOVEREIGNTY

Sovereignty is the ultimate authority of a state, encompassing internal and external aspects, where internal sovereignty pertains to power over its people and external sovereignty signifies independence from other nations. It has characteristics such as originality, permanence, and exclusiveness, and can be categorized into various types including nominal vs. real and de jure vs. de facto. The concept has evolved historically, with theories like Austin's Monistic Theory advocating for absolute power in a single leader, while Pluralist Theory emphasizes the importance of multiple organizations sharing power.

Uploaded by

pravin kumar
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1. WHAT IS SOVEREIGNTY?

In simple terms, sovereignty is the ultimate power or authority of a state. It means the state has
the final say over everything that happens within its borders.
Now let's look at its parts:
●​ Internal Sovereignty: This is the power the state has over its own people and groups. It
makes the laws that everyone inside the country must follow.
●​ External Sovereignty: This means the state is independent and equal to other
countries. No other country can tell it what to do or how to run its business.

2. NATURE & CHARACTERISTICS


Characteristic Description

Originality Power that is self-made and not delegated by any other


source.

Permanence Sovereignty lasts as long as the State exists; it does not die
with a ruler.

Absoluteness Unlimited power; there is no higher authority to limit the State’s


will.

Exclusiveness There is only one sovereign in a State; two or more would


destroy it.

Comprehensiveness It applies to every person and group within the State’s territory.

Inalienability It cannot be given away; separating sovereignty from the State


is "suicide."

Imperceptibility It remains valid even if not actively exercised for a long period.
Indivisibility Sovereignty is a unity; dividing it is to destroy it.

3. KINDS OF SOVEREIGNTY
●​ Nominal vs. Real: Nominal is like kings or queens who have the title but not the real
power. Real power is held by those who actually make decisions, like a Prime Minister.
●​ De Jure vs. De Facto: De Jure is the official rule based on law. De Facto is the actual
power in use, even if it isn't official (like someone taking control by force).
●​ Legal vs. Political: Legal sovereignty is the power to write laws (like a Parliament).
Political sovereignty is the power of the people and their opinions that influence those
laws.
●​ Popular Sovereignty: This means the people are the real source of power in a
democracy.
●​ National vs. Territorial: Territorial is about protecting the country's land and borders.
National is about protecting the people's culture and way of life.

4. HISTORICAL EVOLUTION
Over time, the idea of sovereignty has changed. In ancient times, it was seen as necessary for a
state to survive. During the middle ages, the church and local lords held a lot of power, but later,
thinkers like Bodin and Hobbes argued that the state should have absolute power. Eventually,
people like Locke and Rousseau suggested that power should belong to the community and the
people.

5. MONISTIC THEORY (AUSTIN’S THEORY)


Austin's Monistic Theory says that sovereignty is held by one clear leader or group that
everyone obeys. He believed this power is absolute and cannot be divided. However, many
people criticize this today because, in modern democracies, power is often shared and limited
by laws and the people's will.

6. PLURALIST THEORY
Pluralist Theory argues that the state isn't the only important group. They believe that other
organizations, like families, churches, and unions, are just as important and should share power.
They think the state should act more like a coordinator rather than an absolute ruler.

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