Philosophy Political Authority Questions
The legitimacy theory of political authority argues that political authority is justified and legitimate when it is based on consent and the will of the people. According to this theory, individuals voluntarily give up some of their rights and freedoms to a governing body in exchange for protection and the promotion of their well-being. Legitimate political authority is therefore derived from the consent of the governed, and any exercise of power that goes beyond the boundaries set by this consent is considered illegitimate.