Sovereignty of the People is a fundamental principle of the Constitution of Sri Lanka. It means that all state power belongs to the people, and the government exercises this power on their behalf according to the law.
The Constitution clearly states that sovereignty includes legislative power, executive power, judicial power, fundamental rights, and the franchise. These elements ensure that people control how the country is governed.
Legislative power is exercised by Parliament, executive power by the President and Cabinet, and judicial power by courts. Fundamental rights protect citizens, while the franchise gives people the right to vote.
Sovereignty of the people ensures democracy, justice, and equality. It prevents absolute power and allows citizens to choose their representatives through elections.
Understanding this concept is important for students and citizens because it explains democratic governance and citizens’ rights in Sri Lanka.
Sovereignty of the People – Quiz
Choose the correct answer for each question.
1. What does sovereignty of the people mean?
A. Power belongs to the king
B. Power belongs to the government
C. Power belongs to the people
D. Power belongs to courts
Answer: C
2. Which document explains sovereignty in Sri Lanka?
A. Penal Code
B. Constitution
C. Criminal Law
D. Parliament Act
Answer: B
3. Who holds sovereignty in Sri Lanka?
A. President
B. Parliament
C. People
D. Courts
Answer: C
4. Legislative power is exercised through:
A. Courts
B. Cabinet
C. Parliament
D. Police
Answer: C
5. Executive power is exercised by:
A. Judges
B. President and Cabinet
C. Parliament
D. Election Commission
Answer: B
6. Judicial power is exercised by:
A. Parliament
B. Courts
C. Cabinet
D. Police
Answer: B
7. What is the right to vote called?
A. Citizenship
B. Franchise
C. Mandate
D. Authority
Answer: B
8. Which protects citizens’ freedoms?
A. Executive power
B. Legislative power
C. Fundamental rights
D. Police power
Answer: C
9. Sovereignty of the people supports:
A. Dictatorship
B. Democracy
C. Monarchy
D. Colonial rule
Answer: B
10. People mainly exercise sovereignty through:
A. Elections
B. Courts
C. Police
D. Army
Answer: A
11. Which power makes laws?
A. Executive
B. Judicial
C. Legislative
D. Administrative
Answer: C
12. Which power enforces laws?
A. Legislative
B. Judicial
C. Executive
D. Electoral
Answer: C
13. Which power interprets laws?
A. Executive
B. Judicial
C. Legislative
D. Police
Answer: B
14. Who conducts elections?
A. Supreme Court
B. Election Commission
C. Police
D. Parliament
Answer: B
15. Fundamental rights are guaranteed by the:
A. President
B. Parliament
C. Constitution
D. Police
Answer: C
16. Which article mentions sovereignty?
A. Article 1
B. Article 3
C. Article 10
D. Article 25
Answer: B
17. Sovereignty cannot be removed without:
A. Public approval
B. Military force
C. Court order
D. Foreign help
Answer: A
18. Which principle limits misuse of power?
A. Colonial rule
B. Emergency rule
C. Military rule
D. Rule of law
Answer: D
19. Who can challenge violation of rights?
A. Only President
B. Only Parliament
C. Any citizen
D. Only judges
Answer: C
20. Why is sovereignty important?
A. To weaken democracy
B. To protect people’s power
C. To stop elections
D. To limit rights
Answer: B
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