Which of the following describes the concept of “popular sovereignty?”

Question

a
Individual states have the right to reject congressional decisions pertaining to slavery.
b
Individual citizens can decide for themselves whether or not to hold slaves.
c
Congress has the right to decide where slavery shall and shall not exist.
d
The settlers in a given territory have the sole right to decide whether or not slavery will be permitted there.

Answer 1

The correct answer is:

d. The settlers in a given territory have the sole right to decide whether or not slavery will be permitted there.

This concept of "popular sovereignty" refers to the idea that the authority of a state and its government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, who have the right to decide on issues such as the legality of slavery in their territory.