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Political Legitimacy

Definition

Political legitimacy refers to the acceptance and recognition of a government's authority by its citizens or other political actors. It is based on the belief that the government has the right to rule and make decisions on behalf of society.

Analogy

Think of a popular celebrity who gains fame and respect through their talent, hard work, and positive influence. People willingly follow their lead because they believe in their abilities and trust their judgment. Similarly, political legitimacy is earned when a government demonstrates its competence, fairness, and ability to meet the needs of its people.

Related terms

Sovereignty: The supreme authority of a state or government over its territory without interference from external forces.

Rule of Law: The principle that all individuals, including those in power, are subject to and must abide by laws that are fairly applied.

Legitimacy Crisis: A situation where a government loses public support due to perceived illegitimate actions or failure to address societal concerns.