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.

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.