Final answer:
Popular sovereignty in Chile's new constitution was manifested through the referendum, allowing citizens to exercise their democratic right to approve or reject the proposed constitution, reflecting their will in the structure of their government.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of popular sovereignty is a fundamental democratic principle indicating that the authority of a state and its government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, through their elected representatives. In the context of Chile's new constitution, popular sovereignty was reflected in the outcome of the referendum, where the citizens of Chile had the opportunity to either accept or reject the proposed constitution—exercising their democratic right and influence over governmental decisions. This is in line with Chile's history as a nation that underwent a transition from the rule of General Augusto Pinochet to a democracy with political and economic freedom through democratic elections. It also echoes the spirit of direct democracy practiced in places like the United States, where the populace has the power to approve or repeal legislation through referendums.
It is essential to underscore that popular sovereignty means that any constitutional reforms, new laws, or major changes come about through the participation of the electorate, aligning with the principles established by thinkers like Rousseau, and later echoed by figures such as Thomas Jefferson and Pete Buttigieg. When the citizens of Chile participated in the referendum for their new constitution, they were enacting their right to self-determination and ensuring that their government reflects their will, a concept that has been a cornerstone of many democratic societies.