What does sovereignty refer to in a political context?

Sovereignty in a political context refers to the concept of supreme power and authority possessed by a state or governing body. This means that a sovereign entity has the ultimate authority over its territory and is responsible for maintaining order, creating laws, and conducting international relations without interference from external forces. This concept is crucial in understanding the autonomy of nations and the legitimacy of their governance.

Though the other options touch on aspects of governance, such as self-regulation or independence from external control, they do not capture the full scope of sovereignty as the highest form of power within a recognized political framework. Sovereignty encompasses not only independence but also the comprehensive authority to make and enforce laws and decisions.