Formal power, which usually lies where laws are made. In the UK, Parliament is seen to have legal sovereignty.
Political sovereignty
The body, institution or group that in practice holds the most influence over decision making. In the UK, the governing party, the cabinet and the prime minister are often thought of as having political sovereignty, in part due to their dominance over Parliament.
Popular sovereignty
Rests with the electorate, which votes in referendums and elections, the outcome of which are in practice binding on Parliament.
Devolved sovereignty
Parliament agrees for other bodies or institutions to take decisions. These 'devolved' powers can be taken back by Parliament at a later date.
