| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Encyclopedia of Power |
| Editors | Keith Dowding |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications Ltd |
| Pages | 487-491 |
| Number of pages | 4 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781412994088 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781412927482 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 7 Apr 2011 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Abstract
Political legitimacy is what grants those in power the general consent required to govern. It encompasses the belief among a governed population that governance is proper, correct, and right. Legitimate governing actors are treated by those they govern as justifiably holding authority and exercising political power. Political legitimacy thus often provides an obligation to comply with the commands of authority. Deficient political legitimacy conversely implies a reduced obligation to comply with the commands of authority. This entry will discuss empirical versus normative political legitimacy and transparency, accountability, representation, participation, lawfulness, fairness, effectiveness, and appropriateness in governance.