Popular sovereignty

Popular sovereignty is the belief that the legitimacy of the government is created by the will or consent of its people, who are the source of all political power. The idea was first expressed by John Locke, developed by Benjamin Franklin and put into writing by Thomas Jefferson in the Declaration of Independence.

Analysis
The idea was first expressed by philosopher John Locke, who wrote much of the material that the Jefferson based the document upon. It is the foundation of the act of seperation, as the British American colonies had been induced to taxes and acts by King George III that began to undermine their persuit of happiness and liberty, and life as well. They therefore rose up and abolished the British rule and "instituted new government."

Difference with Nationalism, Patriotism
Patriotism can be taken to the level that one is so blind as to believe in one's country no matter what it is doing. With it, the bloc of people will forget the purpose of government, namely, to protect its people's Life, Liberty, and Happiness. For example, the USA PATRIOT Act undermines the American people's liberty, and some their happiness. Therefore, according to popular sovereignty, when after a long train of abuses and usurpations does the government keeps undermining its cause and purpose, the people should rise up and alter it, regardless of bureaucracy.

Liberalism
Liberals tend to advocate this method of socialogical governing, as many of the American Revolutionaries were liberal. Conservatism, after all, is about conserving the status quo and current systems, which leads many conservatives to be against popular sovereignty. Liberals attempt to change if the state is repeatedly undermining its purpose, whereas conservatives would proclaim liberals traitors, in a manner of speaking, and against their country. This is due to another one of the ideas expressed in the Declaration of Independence:

Not everyone can be as open-minded as a liberal. It takes a true visionary to see through a cloud of usurpations. Conservatives have trouble interpreting and understanding facts, even when such facts would benefit them. Perhaps this is why they support President George W. Bush even when he is undermining Americans' civil liberties.