Government Legitimacy

Government legitimacy refers to the accepted right of a government to use power and make decisions on behalf of its people. According to Social Contract Theory, individuals agree, either explicitly or implicitly, to form a society and grant authority to a government in exchange for protection and societal order. When a government acts in the best interest of its citizens, respects their rights, and is accountable, it is considered legitimate. Conversely, when it fails to uphold these principles, its legitimacy is questioned, leading to potential demands for change, reform, or revolution.