. What is meant by Sovereignty?

Sovereignty refers to the full right and power of a governing body over itself, without any interference from outside sources or bodies. In political theory, sovereignty is a substantive term designating supreme legitimate authority over some polity. It is a basic principle underlying the dominant Westphalian model of state foundation.

In layman's terms, it means a state or a governing body has the full right and power to govern itself without any interference from outside sources or bodies. This includes making laws, levying taxes, administering justice, conducting foreign affairs, and more.

The concept of sovereignty can be traced back to ancient times and has been a pivotal aspect of political and legal discussions ever since. It is closely related to the concept of power and authority and is often used to assert the independence and autonomy of a state or nation.

In international law, sovereignty is the exercise of power by a state. In the exercise of that power, states are free to manage their internal affairs without interference from other states. This is reflected in the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of states.

However, the concept of sovereignty is complex and multifaceted. It is subject to various interpretations and understandings, and its application can vary significantly depending on the context.