Pluralistic Theory of Sovereignty in Political Science

In this article you will learn about Pluralistic Theory of Sovereignty in Political Science.

What is Pluralistic Theory of Sovereignty ?

Pluralist or Pluralism of sovereignty emerged as a reaction against the monistic theory of sovereignty and also against the absolute and totalitarian description of State and its supreme and absolute sovereign power.

The Pluralistic theory of sovereignty rejects the monistic theory of sovereignty and also denies that sovereignty is absolute and indivisible supreme power of the State. The supporters of Pluralistic theory hold that the State is just one of the several associations of the people and groups that are present and working in the society. All these associations are equally important including the State and each one has a share in the sovereign power. The associations are sovereign for their respective purposes just as the State is sovereign for its purpose. The State has no exclusive claim to sovereignty, it neither enjoys absolute power nor is sovereignty indivisible.

The Pluralists give several advanced arguments in support of their views. They hold that history gives many proofs of the fact that many a time the individuals opposed the authority of the State for supporting the rights and demands of their associations. Figgis, Gierke, Lindsay, Barker, Maitland, Laski, Maclver, Miss Follett and several others were some main supporters of the Pluralist Theory of Sovereignty.

Main Arguments in Support of Pluralistic Theory of Sovereignty

Logical Argument

The multifarious needs of the people are satisfied by a large number of associations and a State is an association which satisfies all the required needs of the people. Therefore, it is natural and logical that the people should support and obey all their associations.

Historical Argument

Laski argues that the State has never been totally supreme and powerful. History tells that on many occasions the State has to bow before the demands and power of the groups and associations. The trade unions often have compelled the State to bow before their demands.

Moral Argument

Some Pluralists also advance a moral argument in support of pluralism. Since the individual derives benefits from a large number of associations, including the State, it is the moral duty of the individual to be loyal to all his associations.

Practical Argument

In the recent past, the number of associations of the people has increased manifold because of the increased human need to fulfil a large number of diverse needs. Nowadays every individual either joins or organises a large number of associations for this purpose. The activities of the associations exceed the activities of the State.

Legal Argument

It is natural to argue that force alone is not the sanction behind law because law is not the only command of the sovereign, there are also several other sources of law. The real sanction behind law is Public Opinion. So, the State cannot claim an exclusive legal status as the supreme association of the people.

Psychological Argument

Gierke, Mcdoughal and Maitland argue that in society each association has its own consciousness, own personality and own will. As such these have the right to exercise power over their members.

Importance of the Pluralistic Theory of Sovereignty

Pluralist Theory of Sovereignty rightly advocates the case for recognition of the important role of associations and groups in society. It also points out several practical limitations of the exercise of the sovereign power of the State. Legally and theoretically, the State can do everything and nothing can limit its supreme power, yet in practice there are always several limitations and several areas of human activities which are not really amenable to State control e.g. freedom of expression and thought and right to religious freedom.

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This article on Pluralistic Theory of Sovereignty in Political Science is contributed by Dipshikha Anand. If you like LawStudyPoint.com do follow us on our Twitter handle.