International lawLesson 1 of 4 in the course Statehood and sovereignty

Sovereignty: Political Theory, Statehood, and International Law

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Sovereignty describes who holds the highest authority to govern a political community and its territory. Understanding the concept helps explain how states make laws, relate to one another, and justify political authority.

Sovereignty is supreme, independent authority over a polity or territory. It includes the power to govern and make or change laws. Within a state, sovereignty implies a hierarchy: some person, body, or institution has ultimate authority over citizens and can modify existing laws. Externally, it refers to a state's autonomy and capacity to act independently in international affairs.

All flashcards

How do de jure and de facto sovereignty differ?
De jure sovereignty is the legal right to govern; de facto sovereignty is the practical ability to exercise authority.
What is internal sovereignty?
The location of supreme authority within a political community and the state's ability to maintain order.
How did Hobbes justify strong sovereign power?
People authorize a sovereign to provide protection and prevent insecurity.
What did Bodin mean by perpetual sovereignty?
Sovereignty cannot be merely a temporary delegation from a higher authority.
Does military occupation transfer sovereignty to the occupying power?
No. Occupation may confer temporary governing authority, but does not by itself transfer sovereignty.

Quiz questions

  1. Where did Rousseau locate legitimate sovereignty?Answer: In the people, expressed through the general will directed toward the common good.
  2. What does Westphalian sovereignty mean in Krasner's classification?Answer: No external authority exercises control within the state.
  3. Under Article 42 of the UN Charter, when may the Security Council take action using air, sea, or land forces?Answer: When Article 41 measures are inadequate or have proved inadequate to maintain or restore international peace and security.
  4. What is the legal effect of military occupation on sovereignty over the occupied territory?Answer: Occupation does not by itself transfer sovereignty to the occupying power.
  5. What is cession as a mode of territorial acquisition?Answer: The transfer of territory from one state to another, usually by treaty.

Based on the Wikipedia article Sovereignty, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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