(a) What is legitimacy in government? (b) Outline any five ways of acquiring legitimacy.
Explanation
(a) Legitimacy is the recognition and acceptance of the rulers by the people as expressed in compliance to the authority. (b)(i) Acceptable ideology of the government i.e. socialist, capitalist, etc. (ii) Charisma of the leaders: This could be based on their honesty of purpose, uprightness or oratory. (iii) Method of changing government e.g. Through free and fair elections. (iv) Performance of the government i.e. if the government engages in appealing projects. (v) Popular/mass political participation and support. (vi) Open door administration and opportunities for debates and criticisms. (vii) Acceptance by the international community. (viii) Type of foreign policy/diplomacy pursued. (ix) Observance of the Rule of Law (x) Respect for customs and traditions.