What is a Sovereign Citizen?

The term “sovereign citizen” is a blanket term that has been applied to a wide range of people and anti-government ideologies. The general premise is that certain laws do not apply to these people, as they are “sovereign” and above the law. Many sovereign citizens deny they must pay taxes, while others may hold strong anti-government views or deny the authority of government altogether.

The Origins of Sovereign Citizen Beliefs

The beliefs of sovereign citizens trace back to a movement that originated in the 1970s. The roots of the movement can be found in the legal theories of the Posse Comitatus, or “power of the county”, a grassroots organization that sought to fight against perceived government overreach. While the sovereign citizen movement may have had its start as a peaceful political resistance, since the 1990s it has been associated with a wide range of criminal activities, such as tax evasion, money laundering, and even violent activities.

The Contemporary Sovereign Citizen

Today, the beliefs of the “sovereign citizen” have spread throughout the United States, and are embraced by a wide variety of people. This movement may include tax protestors, conspiracy theorists, white supremacists, and even former law enforcement officers. Many adherents of the sovereign citizen movement hold views that are antithetical to mainstream society and the government. They may also engage in unlawful activities in an effort to assert their supposed “sovereign” status and deny the authority of governments.

The sovereign citizen movement has seen a resurgence in recent years, and has become a major concern for law enforcement. Despite this, there are still many people who willingly choose to join the movement and embrace its beliefs. Ultimately, the sovereign citizen movement is complex and multifaceted, and it is not likely to disappear any time soon.