Which of the following is the historical context in which the theory of sovereignty expressed in the passage emerged?

The theory of sovereignty discussed in the passage emerged in the context of the fragmentation of the Holy Roman Empire. During the late medieval and early modern periods, the Holy Roman Empire was composed of numerous semi-autonomous regions and principalities, which often acted independently of the central authority in Vienna. This fragmentation led to challenges regarding governance, authority, and political unity within the empire.

The rise of the modern state and the concept of sovereignty revolved around the idea that a centralized power should hold ultimate authority over a given territory, thus reducing the conflicts that arose from overlapping jurisdictions and feudal allegiances. The fragmentation of the Holy Roman Empire highlighted the need for clearer definitions of political authority and sovereignty, which laid the groundwork for the evolution of modern nation-states.

This contextual backdrop is critical because it illustrates why the theory of sovereignty gained traction; it was seen as a solution to the complexities and inefficiencies brought about by the fragmented political landscape of the Holy Roman Empire. As regions sought greater autonomy and coherence, the principle of sovereign authority became essential for establishing order and governance.