Legitimacy

Definition

Legitimacy refers to the rightful authority of a governing body, which is accepted and recognized by its citizens and often based on social contracts, laws, or moral grounds. It connects deeply with concepts of consent, justice, and political obligation, influencing how power is exercised and perceived in society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In social contract theory, legitimacy is often derived from the consent of the governed, meaning that political authority is only valid if it has the approval of the people.
2. Hobbes viewed legitimacy as stemming from a strong, centralized authority to prevent chaos, while Locke argued for government legitimacy based on the protection of natural rights.
3. Rousseau's concept of legitimacy is tied to the general will, suggesting that true authority comes from the collective agreement of the people.
4. Legitimacy can be undermined by factors such as corruption, lack of representation, or violation of rights, leading to political instability and potential rebellion.
5. The perception of legitimacy can vary among different groups within society, affecting social cohesion and the effectiveness of governance.

Review Questions

• How does the concept of legitimacy relate to the ideas presented by Hobbes in his view of government?
  • Hobbes believed that legitimacy arises from a powerful sovereign authority that individuals agree to obey in exchange for security and order. In his view, a social contract is established where citizens relinquish some freedoms for protection from violence and chaos. Without this strong authority, Hobbes argued that life would devolve into disorder, highlighting the necessity of a legitimate government to maintain peace.
• Compare and contrast how Locke and Rousseau conceptualize legitimacy in relation to their theories of governance.
  • Locke and Rousseau both emphasize the importance of the people's consent for legitimacy but differ in their approaches. Locke argues that legitimacy depends on the government's role in protecting individual rights; if it fails to do so, citizens have the right to revolt. In contrast, Rousseau focuses on the general will as a source of legitimacy, suggesting that true authority comes from collective decision-making. For Rousseau, legitimacy is about aligning with what is best for the community as a whole.
• Evaluate the implications of declining legitimacy in modern political systems and its potential consequences.
  • A decline in legitimacy within modern political systems can lead to widespread discontent, protests, and even revolutions. When citizens feel that their government no longer represents their interests or violates their rights, they may withdraw their consent to be governed. This erosion of trust can destabilize societies, leading to increased polarization and conflict. Moreover, governments may resort to authoritarian measures to maintain control, further deepening the crisis of legitimacy and risking long-term damage to democratic institutions.

Related terms

Social Contract: An implicit agreement among individuals to form a society and accept certain moral and political obligations in exchange for protection and social order.

Sovereignty: The authority of a state to govern itself or another state, reflecting the ultimate power and control over a territory and its people.

Authority: The recognized power or right of an individual or institution to enforce rules, make decisions, and issue commands within a given context.