Supreme power of the state

Sovereignty Derived from the Latin word ““, which means supreme or paramount.

Two aspects of sovereignty

Power of the state to rule within its territory.

It ensures or authorizes a state to have the final word in all the matters that involve the state’s internal affairs.

Freedom of the state to carry out its activities without subjection to or control by other states. It also referred to as independence.

The characteristics of sovereignty

, independent of any internal or external organization, and cannot be delegated or dependent on others.

Indestructible element of the state, existing as long as the state does, and independent of the tenure of any ruling government.

meaning all individuals within the state's territory are under its unconditional and unlimited control, with no higher power above the sovereign.

making it the sole entity within its territory and distinguishing it from all other associations, with no possibility of dual sovereignty.

State’s authority extends to all aspects within its territory, covering every element of governance and control.

an independent state cannot give it up without losing control, and a sovereign loses power if they transfer sovereignty to others.

while exercising powers may be divided among groups, there is only one sovereignty in a state.

Type of sovereignty

is one whose name is used to exercise sovereignty but lacks actual power, relying on a real sovereign for authority.

refers to the individuals or group actively exercising sovereign power, with their rules and laws being legally binding on all within the state's territory.

gains power through elections, holding legal authority to exercise power and issue binding commands based on law.

gains power through force, often via revolution or coup, and, once accepted by the people, may be recognized as a de jure sovereign.

It the absolute authority to create and change laws, recognized by the legal system, and while it commands obedience, it's not often seen as undisputed power in practice.

It is based on community or public opinion, expressed through elections and interest groups, influencing legal sovereignty, which is recognized by law and can issue laws.

a concept by French Philosopher Jean-Jacques Rousseau, asserts that the people are the ultimate source of authority and power in a democracy, with representatives elected through universal adult franchise.

The theories of sovereignty

primarily associated with Austin and articulated by thinkers like Bodin and Hobbes, posits that sovereignty is the absolute, undivided power in a state that creates law and commands obedience, rejecting notions of popular sovereignty and emphasizing that without the sovereign, there is no law.

It emphasize the importance of various associations in society, advocating for shared sovereignty among groups, limiting the state's absolute power, and asserting that the state is distributive, lacks supernatural characteristics, and relies on goodwill to function.