What does the concept of sovereignty imply about government?

The concept of sovereignty refers to the authority of a state or governing body to govern itself without external interference. Sovereignty implies that a government has ultimate control over its territory and is the highest authority within its jurisdiction. This authority includes the principle of immunity, which means that a government cannot be sued without its consent. This is often described as "sovereign immunity," a legal doctrine that protects the state from lawsuits or legal actions unless it explicitly waives this immunity.

In the context of the correct answer, this understanding highlights that while citizens may have grievances against their government, the government maintains the right to control whether it can be held accountable in a court of law. This principle underscores a key characteristic of sovereign nations: they retain autonomy and protect their functions from litigation unless they choose to permit it.

The other options introduce concepts that do not align with the foundational principle of sovereignty. A government being able to be sued at any time would contradict the idea of sovereignty, as it implies a lack of control over its operations and decisions. Accountability to foreign entities and operating under international law are aspects of international relations but don't reflect the primary definition of sovereignty as described in this context. Thus, option B accurately captures the essence of what sovereignty implies about the government's ability to