Theory question 102
Power, Authority, Legitimacy and SovereigntySection A
(a) Differentiate between legal sovereignty and political sovereignty
(b) What factors limit the sovereignty of government?
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(a) Legal sovereignty: the authority recognised by law to make laws that courts enforce (e.g. parliament / the legislature)
Political sovereignty: the power of the electorate (people) who choose and remove the law-makers through votes; the power behind the legal sovereign
(b) Limits: the constitution (supremacy of the constitution)
International law and treaties
Membership of international organisations (UN, OAU/AU, ECOWAS, Commonwealth)
Dependence on foreign aid and loans; pressure from powerful states
Public opinion, customs and traditions, religion
Pressure groups
Military coups and internal unrest
Define both terms clearly before listing at least four limiting factors.