Final answer:
When a group of people governs itself without external interference, they have achieved sovereignty, a fundamental concept in the formation of independent states and self-governance.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a group of people has acquired the right to govern themselves without interference or control by another government, they have achieved sovereignty. This concept is central to understanding the nature of self-governance and independence among societies and nations throughout history. Sovereignty is the basis for a group or a country to be free of outside interference, allowing them to self-govern and determine their own future. For instance, decolonization is a historical process in which colonies attained sovereignty, making themselves independent from European rulers and sometimes joining international organizations such as the United Nations. The struggle for sovereignty has been evident in various indigenous groups' efforts to self-govern and preserve their culture, as was acknowledged by the federal government in countries like Canada.