Early Modern Europe – 1450 to 1750
Legitimacy refers to the right and acceptance of an authority, typically a governing law or regime. It is crucial for political stability as it ensures that those in power are recognized as rightful leaders by the governed. The concept often relates to theories of governance, such as the social contract and separation of powers, which provide frameworks for justifying political authority and ensuring that power is exercised in a manner that is acceptable to the populace.
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