INTRODUCTION
Legitimacy refers to the perceived right of a government, political system, or leader to rule and make decisions on behalf of a society. Legitimacy is a key concept in the study of politics and is often linked to the stability and effectiveness of governance. The legitimacy originated from the Latin word Legitimus which means,'legal' or 'legislative'.
DEFINATION
S.M. Lipset's definition highlights the idea that legitimacy is rooted in the belief of the society that the political institutions in place are the most appropriate for their needs. In other words, legitimacy is a subjective concept that depends on the acceptance of a particular political system by the people it governs. This view of legitimacy emphasizes the role of social and cultural factors in shaping people's perceptions of the legitimacy of their political institutions.
According to Lipset, legitimacy is important for the stability and effectiveness of a political system, as it helps to ensure that citizens comply with laws and regulations, participate in political processes, and accept the decisions made by their leaders. When a political system is seen as illegitimate, on the other hand, it can lead to a loss of public trust and increased political instability.
CHARACTERITICS OF LEGITIMACY
- IT CREATES THE FAITH OF PEOPLE : Legitimacy helps to build trust and confidence in a political system, which can increase citizen support and cooperation with the authorities.
- IT REDUCES THE USE OF FORCE : When a political system is seen as legitimate, there is less need for the use of force to maintain order, as people are more likely to comply with laws and regulations voluntarily.
- IT TURNS POWER INTO AUTHORITY : Legitimacy transforms raw power into recognized and accepted authority, which allows the political system to make and enforce decisions more effectively.
- ACCEPTANCE IS THE BASE : As you mentioned, acceptance is a crucial component of legitimacy, as it is based on the belief of the people that the political system is the most appropriate for their needs and that the decisions made by their leaders are just and fair.
These characteristics help to explain why legitimacy is an important factor in shaping the effectiveness and stability of political systems, as well as the relationships between citizens and the state.
CONCLUSION
legitimacy is a complex and multifaceted concept that refers to the perceived rightfulness or legality of a particular entity, situation, or action. It is rooted in the belief of the people that the political system in place is the most appropriate for their needs, and is characterized by factors such as authority, fairness, transparency, predictability, and durability. Legitimacy is important for the stability and effectiveness of political systems, as it helps to build trust and confidence in the authorities and reduces the need for the use of force to maintain order. Ultimately, the legitimacy of a political system is shaped by a variety of social, cultural, political, and historical factors, and is subject to change over time in response to changing circumstances and events.