The Guiding Principle

Popular Sovereignty: The guiding principle behind every word of the draft.

The core foundation of Scotland’s proposed constitution is simple, profound, and deeply rooted in our history:

Sovereignty lies with the people.

Not with monarchs.

Not with parliaments.

Not with external authorities.

The people — and only the people — are the ultimate source of political power in Scotland. Every article, right, institution, and safeguard in the draft constitution is a logical extension of this principle.

This is the essential break with the Westminster system. In the UK, power flows from Parliament. In Scotland, power flows from the people — through the institutions we choose to create. That principle is not just political rhetoric. It is the legal and constitutional tradition of Scotland.

What Popular Sovereignty Means in Practice:

From this principle, every part of the constitution flows. It shapes the structure and substance of the document:

• Democratic Control
  All public institutions — including Parliament, government, the judiciary, and oversight bodies — must serve the people. Not the other way around. Elections, representation, and decision-making processes are designed to empower citizens and uphold transparency.

• Civil and Social Rights
  Rights are not granted by the state — they are recognised as belonging inherently to the people. These include civil liberties, social protections, and economic entitlements. Justice, equality, housing, education, healthcare, digital privacy — all are grounded in the dignity of the individual as a sovereign citizen.

• Transparency and Oversight
  Power must be accountable. That’s why the constitution includes independent institutions like a National Audit Office, a People’s Assembly, anti-corruption bodies, judicial review mechanisms, and an Ombudsman — all tools to protect the people from abuse of power.

• Protection for Future Generations and Minorities
  Sovereignty must be shared. It cannot serve only the majority in any given moment — it must protect everyone. The constitution includes strong safeguards for children, disabled people, marginalised communities, refugees, and the environment. Popular sovereignty applies across time — securing justice today while preserving liberty and dignity for tomorrow.

• Decentralisation and Participation
  Power shouldn’t just shift from London to Edinburgh — it must also move from politicians to people. The constitution enables direct democracy, citizen initiatives, and local decision-making. It opens the doors of government to ordinary people, communities, and young voices through structures like the People’s Assembly.

Why It’s So Thorough:

This isn’t just a list of aspirations. It’s a working blueprint — because sovereignty requires more than symbolism. It needs actual systems, responsibilities, and protections.

This constitution is radical in vision and pragmatic in design. It addresses not only who we are — but how we govern. It doesn’t simply reject Westminster. It replaces it. With something fairer, clearer, and genuinely democratic.

What Makes It Different:

This is not just about Scotland demanding independence in name. We are laying the legal and democratic foundations for an independent nation — one that reflects the will of its people in every clause and every institution.

• This is not about campaigns and slogans.
• It’s not about politicians or parties.
• It’s not even about one vote or one moment.

It’s about building a constitutional order worthy of a sovereign people.