Sovereign

Sovereign is a term used in various contexts to denote a person, institution, or entity that has the highest authority or power. The term is often used in the context of monarchies, where the sovereign is the reigning monarch. However, it can also refer to the supreme authority in a state, whether that authority is vested in an individual, a collective body, or an institution.

Etymology

The term "sovereign" comes from the Old French word "soverain", which is derived from the Latin word "superanus", meaning "above". The term was first used in the English language in the 13th century to refer to a supreme ruler or monarch.

Concept

The concept of sovereignty is closely related to the concept of state. In international law, sovereignty is the principle that states are the supreme authority within their territory, free from external interference. This principle is enshrined in the United Nations Charter, which affirms the sovereign equality of all its member states.

Types of Sovereign

There are different types of sovereigns, depending on the form of government in a state. In a monarchy, the sovereign is the reigning monarch. In a republic, the sovereign is usually the president or the collective body of citizens. In a theocracy, the sovereign is a religious leader or deity.

Sovereign in Different Cultures

The concept of sovereignty varies in different cultures and political systems. In many Western democracies, sovereignty is vested in the people, who exercise their power through elected representatives. In contrast, in many traditional societies, sovereignty is often vested in a monarch or a religious leader.

See Also

• Monarchy
• Republic
• Theocracy
• United Nations Charter

References

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  Official portrait of Queen Elizabeth II for the 1959 tour