Simple English definitions for legal terms
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Supreme power refers to the highest level of authority within a government or state. It is the power that is absolute and uncontrolled within its own sphere, meaning that it cannot be prevented or annulled by any other power recognized within the constitutional system. This power is not subject to external control and is exercised by a person or body of persons who have the capacity to influence the activities of the body politic. In contrast, subordinate power is subject to external control because there exists some superior constitutional power that can prevent, restrict, direct, or annul its operation.
Supreme power refers to the highest level of authority within a political system. It is the power that is absolute and uncontrolled within its own sphere, meaning that its exercise and effective operation do not depend on, and are not subject to, the power of any other person or entity recognized within the constitutional system.
For example, in the United States, the Constitution grants supreme power to the federal government, which has the authority to make and enforce laws that apply to the entire country. This power is not subject to the power of any state government or individual citizen.
On the other hand, subordinate political power refers to power that is subject in some degree to external control because there exists some superior constitutional power that can prevent, restrict, direct, or annul its operation. An example of this would be the power of state governments within the United States, which are subject to the authority of the federal government.