Legitimacy Vocabulary

Legitimacy

The recognized right to exercise authority, often linked to societal acceptance of
power..

Authority

Power that is perceived as legitimate, as opposed to mere coercion.

Consent

Agreement by the governed to the exercise of power, seen as a cornerstone of

legitimacy.

Rule of Law

The principle that all individuals and institutions are subject to laws that are fairly
applied and enforced, underpinning legitimacy.

Traditional legitimacy

Based on long-standing customs, traditions, or historical continuity.

Charismatic Legitimacy

Rooted in the extraordinary personal qualities or leadership of an
individual.

Legal-Rational Legitimacy

Derived from adherence to established laws and procedures.

Democratic Legitimacy

Arising from popular participation, elections, and representation.

Constitutional legitimacy

Grounded in a legal framework or constitution accepted by society.

Performancy legitimacy

Earned through effective governance, economic growth, or public
service delivery.

Social Contract

the implicit agreement between rulers and the ruled that establishes

legitimacy

Public Opinion

Collective societal attitudes that can affirm or undermine legitimacy.

Crisis of Legitimacy

A situation where the authority of a government or institution is widely
questioned or rejected.

Civic Engagement

Active participation by citizens in the political process, reinforcing
legitimacy.

Corruption

Abuse of power that erodes trust and undermines legitimacy.

Coercion

The use of force to maintain authority, often viewed as a sign of weakened
legitimacy.

Populism

A political approach that challenges established legitimacy by appealing to “the
people” against elites.

Authoritarianism

Systems where legitimacy is often claimed through performance or coercion
rather than democratic consent.

Non-state actors

Groups like NGOs or corporations whose legitimacy is tied to their
accountability and transparency.

Electoral Legitimacy

Trust in elections as a basis for government authority.

Civil Disobeidiance

Acts of resistance that challenge legitimacy by highlighting ethical or moral
failings in governance