Unit 1: Legitimacy

Question 1

definition legitimacy

Answer 1

groups or actions that are considered to be acceptable, usually by conforming to agreed laws or democratic principles

Question 2

Sources of legitimacy 1

Answer 2

Democracy

Question 3

Sources of legitimacy 2

Answer 3

Balance of power (btw. executive, legislature, and judiciary)

Question 4

Sources of legitimacy 3

Answer 4

Constitutions

Question 5

Sources of legitimacy 4

Answer 5

Rule of Law

Question 6

Sources of legitimacy 5

Answer 6

International law (rulings by ICJ or UN Security Council, or breaches of Geneva Conventions)

Question 7

Legitimacy of NGOs

Answer 7

• frequently offer independent perspective on the legitimacy of gov. actions
• gain legitimacy through both their actions (seen as fair and transparent) and through recognition
• status that some IGOs give them (eg. UN or EU)

Question 8

Legitimacy of IGOs

Answer 8

• gain legitimacy from treaties and agreements on which they were founded
• usually have clear procedures / rules stating what their powers and areas of interest are

Question 9

Legitimacy of violent extremist groups

Answer 9

is “one persons terrorist is another persons freedom fighter”?