democratic legitimacy

Democratic legitimacy refers to the idea that a government or authority is justified and accepted because it is based on the free and fair participation of the people it governs. In a democracy, leaders are chosen through elections where citizens have a voice, ensuring decisions reflect the society’s preferences and values. This legitimacy comes from the belief that power ultimately rests with the people, making the government’s authority legitimate as long as it respects democratic processes and the rule of law. Essentially, it’s about ensuring that those in power derive their authority from the consent of the governed.