Question

Differentiate between monist and pluralist theories of sovereignty

Answer 1

The political framework and the structure of the legal systems anywhere across the world depend on the concept of sovereignty. The idea owes its roots to the sixteenth and seventeenth century Europe and has existed since then and is ever expanding. Sovereignty is associated with authority which are embodied in organizations like nations and states which in turn are responsible for the territory under them and the people who live in these territories.

The idea of sovereignty was created not for academic discourses or philosophical purposes but for real world potent challenges. As mentioned earlier the idea owes its genesis to the political upheavals in Europe of the sixteenth and seventeenth century. The increasing power of the Pope who was the theocratic head of the Christian world led the rulers of Europe to assert their sovereignty over their land and people to escape papal authority.

Now, having understood the concept, let us now look at the two prominent schools of thoughts regarding Sovereignty.