Question

Read the Article II. Article II Articles of Confederation Each state retains its sovereignty, freedom, and independence, and every Power, Jurisdiction and right, which is not by this confederation expressly delegated to the United States, in Congress assembled. How does Article II reflect the principles of limited government and popular sovereignty? In your answer, define each of the principles in your own words.

Answer 1

The Article II of the Articles of Confederation reflect the principles of limited government and popular sovereignty understood in the following way:

• The principle of limited government refers to a government in which decisions are made with the consent of the the state and its people, and not only by the national government.  Moreover, the Constitution also limits government power by creating a system of checks and balances (so that each branch can control each other’s power) through the separation of three equal powers in branches (legislative, executive and judicial).  

• On the other hand, people sovereignty basically refers to the right people have to govern themselves, meaning that they are the source of all governmental power and that government requires the consent of the governed when making decisions.