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All 8 Flashcards — What makes a government legitimate?
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Question
Forms of government?
Answer
Monarchy (rule by one), oligarchy (a few), democracy (the many), authoritarian/totalitarian (force), theocracy (religion).
Question
Legitimacy?
Answer
The accepted RIGHT to rule, not just the power to — usually earned by consent, fair process, or serving the common good.
Question
Power vs legitimacy?
Answer
A coup gives power (control); legitimacy is the accepted right to rule. A government can have all the power and still not be legitimate.
Question
Two-way obligations?
Answer
You owe the state obedience to fair laws and tax; the state owes you protection, fairness and service to the common good.
Question
Totalitarian vs authoritarian?
Answer
Both rule by force with little freedom; totalitarian control reaches into every part of life, not just politics.
Question
The case for revolution?
Answer
Locke: a state that attacks the rights it was built to protect breaks its side of the deal, so the people may replace it.
Question
The anarchist challenge?
Answer
Maybe no state is ever fully legitimate — it asks the state to justify its right to force people, rather than assuming it.
Question
Is keeping order enough for legitimacy?
Answer
No — a regime can keep perfect order by terror; most think legitimacy also needs consent or fairness.
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Full study notes for What makes a government legitimate?
Topic 7.1 hub
The state
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