What is legitimacy: an interesting lesson

Many social and political concepts of our time are a creation of the last few hundred years. Democracy, freedom, Republic – all of these concepts appeared not so long ago, if not to take into account the interrupted tradition forgotten for centuries of Antiquity. But the fact that such legitimacy, the people knew always. Let this concept was not so well defined as it is today, however, this understanding sought any monarch, no matter how great his power and arrogance. So let's please understand what legitimacy. This term, derived from the Roman word legitimus (lawful) means the acceptance of people's opinion of the country with its power, political system, state institutions. That is, legitimate power – this is the power Board which I agree a large part People. There is another point in this concept. Legitimacy – it is also the recognition of contingent power as a Plenipotentiary from the relevant authorities abroad. This is, firstly, implies that laws issued by the government, will be implemented by the overwhelming majority of the population, and this population is in accordance with the laws, since according to the government. Second, it means that the government has the right to speak on behalf of his people in the international arena, and this view should be considered. Everything is quite simple, as you can see.

The concept

Now, answering the question of what legitimacy, can we be sure that it was necessary always and for all governments even it does not exist The definition of in its present form. Ancient pharaohs and the Eastern emperors were taken descended from deities of the popular Pantheon, thus confirming their legitimate stay on the throne. The right to rule members of the Greek Areopagus was determined by election. European monarchs of the Renaissance proved their chosenness, noble lineage, very long kind of stay in power has meant that legitimacy. As you can see, not even knowing what is legitimacy in modern scientific terminology, the government clearly felt the need to justify their own claims. In the end, the word “legitimacy” born after the French revolution. Her vision was finally clear-cut monarchists who advocated the return to the throne the rightful king, instead of the impostors that usurped control of the country.

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Terminology

There are different types of legitimate authority. The science distinguishes three main:

1. Traditional. This type is based on the belief of most people in the inevitable submission and force of this power, the long habit. About the legitimacy of should remember when it comes to the most ancient pharaohs, kings and emperors.
2. Rational. It is also called democratic legitimacy, and it is most popular in the modern world. In any case, all the heads of States rush to say so. This legitimacy begins with the recognition of the majority of the people democratically elected government.
3. Charismatic. It is formed out of a belief in the ideal image of their ruler. An example of such legitimacy can be religious leaders, partly totalitarian dictators, whose propaganda turned to the demigods and which have gained fanatical support of the people.

However, don't confuse legality and legitimacy of state power among themselves. If from the first we have already dealt with the legality – it's clear compliance with the constitutional norms and state laws. It is exclusively a legal concept.