Theory question 101
Power, Authority, Legitimacy and Sovereignty(a) What is legitimacy in government?
(b) Outline any five ways of acquiring legitimacy.
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Model answer
(a) Legitimacy is the acceptance by the people that those in power have the right to rule, so they obey willingly.
(b) Any five: free and fair elections; ruling according to the constitution and rule of law; good performance (providing services and development); respect for human rights; charisma of the leader; tradition/hereditary succession; recognition by the international community; acceptable ideology; open government that allows criticism; popular participation and referendums.
Explanation
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