What is the relationship between political authority and legitimacy?

Philosophy Political Authority Questions



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What is the relationship between political authority and legitimacy?

The relationship between political authority and legitimacy is that political authority derives its legitimacy from the consent and acceptance of the governed. Legitimacy refers to the moral and legal right of a government or ruler to exercise power and authority over a society. Political authority, on the other hand, is the actual exercise of power and control by a government or ruler. Legitimacy provides the foundation for political authority, as it is the belief and recognition by the people that the government has the right to govern and make decisions on their behalf. Without legitimacy, political authority becomes arbitrary and can lead to resistance or even rebellion from the governed. Therefore, political authority and legitimacy are closely intertwined, with legitimacy serving as the basis for the exercise of political authority.