Legitimacy Vocabulary

Legitimacy

1.     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

Performance 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 Disobedience

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