SS1 First Term Government Lesson Note – Basic Concepts: Legitimacy and Sovereignty

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WEEK 4

TOPIC: BASIC CONCEPTS

CONTENT:

Legitimacy:

1. Meaning of legitimacy
2. Factors that determine legitimacy
3. Legitimacy as a factor of stability of government.

Sovereignty:

1. Two connotation of sovereignty (i) The state of political independence (ii) The supreme power in a state
2. Problem of locating sovereignty
3. Limitations

Sub-Topic1: MEANING OF LEGITIMACY

Legitimacy can be defined as a means of popular, lawful and constitutional claim to power by the acceptance or approval of the citizens or electorates. Legitimacy can also be defined as the recognition and acceptance of the rulers by the people to rule them based on the fact that they are ruling in accordance to the laws of the land.

     FACTORS THAT DETERMINE LEGITIMACY

1. Acceptable Ideology of the government i.e., socialist, capitalist etc
2. Charisma of the leaders. This could be based on their honesty of purpose, uprightness.
3. Method of changing government e.g., through free and fair elections.
4. Performance of government i.e., if the government engages in appealing projects.
5. Popular/mass political participation and support.
6. Open-door administration and opportunities for debates and criticisms.
7. Acceptance by the international community.
8. Observance of the rule of law.
9. Respect for customs and traditions.
10. Type of foreign policy/diplomacy pursued.

LEGITIMACY AS A FACTOR OF STABILITY OF GOVERNMENT.

1. Legitimacy is fundamental to the maintenance of political order in the society. Without it, political leaders must rely on force to maintain themselves in power.
2. A legitimate government will bring about stability in the political system.

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