Legitimacy

Definition

Legitimacy refers to the acceptance and recognition of a government or political system by its citizens as having the right to rule and exercise authority.

Related terms

Democracy:

A system of government where power is vested in the people, either directly or through elected representatives, providing legitimacy through popular consent.

Authoritarianism:

A form of government characterized by strong central control and limited political freedoms, often lacking widespread legitimacy due to lack of citizen participation.

Rule of Law:

The principle that all individuals and institutions are subject to and accountable to laws that are fairly applied and enforced, contributing to the legitimacy of a government.