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.