Political Legitimacy - AP Comparative Government and Politics

  1. How can international recognition impact political legitimacy?
    It can bolster a regime's legitimacy. External validation can strengthen domestic acceptance of authority.
  2. Identify a factor that can undermine political legitimacy.
    Human rights abuses. Violations of basic rights destroy public trust in government.
  3. What is a characteristic of charismatic legitimacy?
    Reliance on a leader's personal appeal. Authority depends entirely on leader's exceptional personal qualities.
  4. Identify one impact of declining political legitimacy.
    Increased political instability. Loss of legitimacy often leads to protests and governmental crisis.
  5. Identify a way in which legitimacy can be challenged.
    Through peaceful protest. Non-violent opposition can question government's right to rule.
  6. Which type of legitimacy is most associated with democracy?
    Rational-legal legitimacy. Democratic systems rely on laws and institutions rather than tradition.
  7. Which type of legitimacy is based on established laws?
    Rational-legal legitimacy. Authority derived from formal legal frameworks and institutions.
  8. Identify a consequence of lacking political legitimacy.
    Civil unrest. Popular rejection of authority often manifests in public disorder.
  9. Identify a policy that can enhance political legitimacy.
    Social welfare programs. Government services demonstrate competence and care for citizens.
  10. What is one way legitimacy can be diminished?
    By failing to deliver public services. Government incompetence erodes public confidence and support.
  11. Which concept involves the voluntary acceptance of authority?
    Legitimacy. Citizens choose to obey rather than being forced to comply.
  12. What does traditional legitimacy rely on?
    Historical customs and practices. Authority derived from long-standing traditions and established customs.
  13. What does political legitimacy allow a government to do?
    Exercise authority effectively. Legitimacy provides the foundation for successful policy implementation.
  14. How does economic performance affect political legitimacy?
    Strong performance can enhance legitimacy. Economic success demonstrates competence and builds public support.
  15. Identify a key factor that contributes to political legitimacy.
    Rule of law. Legal systems that apply equally ensure fair governance and public trust.
  16. What is a key challenge to maintaining political legitimacy?
    Corruption. Unethical practices erode public trust in government institutions.
  17. Give an example of a source of traditional legitimacy.
    Monarchical rule. Hereditary systems rely on historical precedent for authority.
  18. What is the role of ideology in political legitimacy?
    It provides a belief system that justifies authority. Ideologies explain why certain groups should hold power.
  19. What is charismatic legitimacy?
    Authority based on a leader's personal qualities. Leaders gain authority through exceptional personal traits and appeal.
  20. Identify a benefit of strong political legitimacy for a government.
    Greater policy implementation efficiency. Legitimate governments face less resistance when implementing policies.
  21. What is political legitimacy?
    Acceptance of authority by a governed population. Core concept where citizens willingly recognize government's right to rule.
  22. Identify a historical event that can disrupt legitimacy.
    A coup d'état. Military overthrows directly challenge existing government legitimacy.
  23. What is one way to increase political legitimacy?
    Conduct free and fair elections. Democratic processes demonstrate public consent and institutional strength.
  24. What is the effect of media freedom on political legitimacy?
    It can enhance transparency and legitimacy. Independent media exposes corruption and holds leaders accountable.
  25. What does the social contract theory imply about legitimacy?
    It is based on the consent of the governed. Legitimate authority requires citizens' voluntary agreement to be governed.
  26. Which political theory emphasizes the role of public opinion in legitimacy?
    Democratic theory. Democratic legitimacy depends on citizens' opinions and electoral support.
  27. What does rational-legal legitimacy emphasize?
    Legal and bureaucratic norms. Authority comes from established procedures rather than personal traits.
  28. What is the relationship between political legitimacy and social stability?
    Higher legitimacy often leads to greater stability. Legitimate governments face fewer challenges to their authority.
  29. Identify one way in which legitimacy can be transferred.
    Through democratic elections. Peaceful transitions maintain legitimacy through established processes.
  30. How does nationalism affect political legitimacy?
    It can strengthen legitimacy through unity. Shared identity can increase support for national government.
  31. What role does public consent play in political legitimacy?
    It validates the authority of the government. Citizens' voluntary acceptance creates the foundation for legitimate rule.
  32. What is a potential result of a legitimacy crisis?
    Regime change. Severe legitimacy loss can lead to complete system transformation.
  33. What is an indicator of strong political legitimacy?
    High voter turnout. Citizens actively participating shows acceptance of the political system.
  34. Which type of legitimacy is based on legal-rational authority?
    Rational-legal legitimacy. Authority based on established laws and institutional procedures.
  35. Which term describes legitimacy derived from the charisma of leaders?
    Charismatic legitimacy. Authority flows from leader's personal magnetism and exceptional qualities.
  36. What type of legitimacy might a revolutionary leader rely on?
    Charismatic legitimacy. Revolutionary figures often rely on personal appeal for initial authority.
  37. Identify a traditional source of legitimacy in theocratic states.
    Religious authority. Sacred traditions provide basis for political authority in religious states.
  38. What is a common challenge to maintaining legitimacy in diverse societies?
    Ethnic tensions. Competing group loyalties can undermine national political unity.
  39. Identify a component that can enhance legitimacy in authoritarian regimes.
    Economic development. Non-democratic regimes can build support through economic success.
  40. Identify a component of rational-legal legitimacy.
    Constitutional frameworks. Written rules and procedures provide clear basis for authority.

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