Sustaining Legitimacy - AP Comparative Government and Politics

  1. Name a system that can enhance legitimacy through representation.
    Parliamentary system. Representatives chosen by citizens create democratic accountability.
  2. What can regular, transparent elections do for legitimacy?
    Reinforce legitimacy. They demonstrate democratic responsiveness and peaceful power transfers.
  3. Which term describes the people's acceptance of a government's right to rule?
    Legitimacy. This concept captures public acceptance of governmental authority and power.
  4. How can national crises affect legitimacy?
    May strengthen or weaken legitimacy. Effective crisis management can enhance or damage public trust.
  5. Identify a critical component of maintaining legitimacy in democracies.
    Accountability. Government responsibility to citizens ensures responsive governance.
  6. Which concept describes the trust between government and citizens?
    Political legitimacy. It represents the social contract between rulers and the governed.
  7. What is rational-legal legitimacy based on?
    Established laws and procedures. Authority derives from formal rules and institutional frameworks.
  8. Identify a mechanism that can reinforce legitimacy through accountability.
    Independent audits. External oversight ensures government transparency and responsible spending.
  9. How does economic performance affect legitimacy?
    High performance can enhance legitimacy. Economic success increases public satisfaction with government performance.
  10. How does government transparency impact legitimacy?
    Builds public trust and confidence. Open government operations reduce corruption and increase accountability.
  11. How does the rule of law contribute to legitimacy?
    Ensures fair and predictable governance. Equal application of laws creates trust in governmental institutions.
  12. Identify a factor that can enhance the perception of legitimacy.
    Effective public services. Quality services demonstrate government competence and responsiveness.
  13. Name one factor that can undermine political legitimacy.
    Corruption. Corrupt practices destroy public trust and confidence in government.
  14. What is the impact of public participation on legitimacy?
    Enhances political engagement. Active citizen involvement strengthens democratic processes and ownership.
  15. What can undermine legitimacy by eroding public trust?
    Scandals and corruption. They damage public confidence in governmental integrity and competence.
  16. How does social justice affect legitimacy?
    Promotes equity and fairness. Fair treatment of all citizens strengthens support for government.
  17. What is the role of education in sustaining legitimacy?
    Educates citizens on their rights and duties. Informed citizens better understand and support democratic processes.
  18. What is the significance of historical continuity in legitimacy?
    Reinforces traditional legitimacy. Stable institutions over time build trust in governmental authority.
  19. What is the role of international law in legitimacy?
    Provides a basis for legal legitimacy. Global standards validate domestic governmental authority and practices.
  20. What is the impact of civil society on legitimacy?
    Enhances legitimacy by promoting engagement. Active citizen groups strengthen democratic participation and oversight.
  21. What is the significance of public consultation in legitimacy?
    Enhances democratic legitimacy. Including citizens in decisions increases acceptance of outcomes.
  22. Identify a challenge to legitimacy in authoritarian regimes.
    Lack of political freedoms. Limited rights and participation reduce public acceptance of authority.
  23. How does national identity contribute to legitimacy?
    Strengthens social cohesion and loyalty. Shared identity creates emotional bonds between citizens and state.
  24. What is a referendum?
    A direct vote by the electorate on a specific proposal. It allows direct citizen participation in important policy decisions.
  25. What role do constitutions play in sustaining legitimacy?
    Provide a legal framework for governance. They establish fundamental rules and limit governmental power.
  26. Identify one way a government can sustain legitimacy.
    Through effective governance. Delivering public services and meeting citizen needs builds trust and support.
  27. Which principle helps sustain legitimacy through power separation?
    Checks and balances. Institutional mechanisms prevent concentration and abuse of power.
  28. What is political legitimacy?
    Political legitimacy is the recognized right to rule. It means citizens accept the government's authority as rightful and proper.
  29. What can weaken legitimacy by creating instability?
    Civil unrest. Social disorder challenges government authority and control.
  30. Identify a principle of legitimacy in democratic systems.
    Free and fair elections. Democratic legitimacy requires genuine choice and competitive voting processes.
  31. What role does free media play in sustaining legitimacy?
    Promotes transparency and accountability. Independent media exposes corruption and ensures government responsiveness.
  32. Identify a strategy for governments to sustain legitimacy.
    Responsive policymaking. Adapting policies to citizen needs demonstrates effective governance.
  33. What is the effect of policy consistency on legitimacy?
    It enhances predictability and trust. Stable policies reduce uncertainty and build public confidence.
  34. How does judicial independence contribute to legitimacy?
    By ensuring fair legal processes. Courts free from political pressure ensure impartial justice.
  35. How does cultural tradition influence legitimacy?
    It can reinforce traditional legitimacy. Cultural values and customs strengthen acceptance of established authority.
  36. What is traditional legitimacy?
    Legitimacy derived from historical customs. Authority stems from long-standing cultural practices and inheritance.
  37. How can international recognition affect legitimacy?
    It can bolster a government's legitimacy. Global acceptance validates a government's rightful authority.
  38. Which form of legitimacy relies on historical precedent?
    Traditional legitimacy. Authority based on inherited customs and long-standing practices.
  39. Which type of legitimacy is derived from the charisma of a leader?
    Charismatic legitimacy. This type relies on personal appeal and exceptional leadership qualities.
  40. What is a common method used to gauge legitimacy?
    Public opinion polls. These surveys measure public approval and trust in government.

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