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Question

Difficulty: MediumLegitimacy: Meaning, Determinants, and Maintenance

When a constitutional government consistently delivers good governance, respects human rights, and conducts free and fair elections, citizens voluntarily obey its laws. Which concept best explains this voluntary acceptance of a government's right to rule?

  1. Political legitimacyAnswer
  2. B
    Coercive power
  3. C
    Absolute sovereignty
  4. D
    Political socialization

Answer

Political legitimacy
Political legitimacy is the general acknowledgment by citizens that a government has the legal and moral right to hold and exercise political power. When a regime maintains legitimacy through performance and constitutional order, citizens obey out of respect for authority rather than fear of physical compulsion.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the conditions presented in the question stem
The stem describes a political system where obedience is voluntary and based on good governance, election integrity, and constitutional adherence.
Determining whether compliance is driven by voluntary consent or physical force helps distinguish legitimacy from coercive power.
2
Identify the political concept that corresponds to voluntary obedience and constitutional acceptance
Political legitimacy is defined as the citizen body's legal and moral acknowledgment of the ruler's right to govern.
Factors like free elections and effective governance are primary determinants that maintain political legitimacy in a state.

Key Concept

Legitimacy: Meaning, Determinants, and Maintenance
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Legitimacy: Meaning, Determinants, and Maintenance

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