népszuverenitást

Népszuverenitás, a Hungarian term, translates to popular sovereignty in English. It is a political doctrine that asserts all governmental power is derived from the people. This principle forms the bedrock of many modern democratic states, suggesting that the legitimacy of the state and its rulers ultimately stems from the consent of the governed.

In essence, népszuverenitást means that the ultimate authority resides not with a monarch, a religious body, or an elite group, but with the collective will of the citizenry. This authority can be exercised directly through mechanisms like referendums and plebiscites, or indirectly through elected representatives in a democratic system. The people are seen as the source of law and political power, and any government that oversteps its bounds or acts against the will of the people can, in theory, be challenged or replaced.

The concept has deep historical roots, with thinkers like Jean-Jacques Rousseau prominently advocating for the "general will" of the people as the basis of legitimate rule. In contemporary political discourse, népszuverenitást is often invoked in discussions about democratic rights, political participation, and the accountability of government institutions. It underscores the idea that governments are servants of the people, not their masters, and that their power is conditional upon maintaining the trust and support of the populace.