Legitimacy of power

Legitimation is the process of approving the legitimacy or legitimacy of power within the society. The essence of this phenomenon reflects the constant desire of individuals with certain powers to confirm their political viability. Thus, the legitimacy of power is the recognition by the masses of the legitimacy of power, which relies on the voluntary consent of the population to obey its decisions.

We can talk about the validity of force if the methods of its establishment and the results of its activities are consistent with the moral and legal norms, political consciousness, views, principles and beliefs that are characteristic of the majority of citizens.

In political science, Weber's classification of lawfulness and validity of force is widely used. According to Weber's concept, the legitimacy of state power is traditional, legal and charismatic.

The traditional type of legality and competence rests on the belief of the population in the inviolability of traditions and norms that have developed in the course of a certain historical development of a particular society. These foundations regulate power relations, giving power to some and forcing others to obey. All members of society are required to comply with the rules. At disobedience certain sanctions approved in the society are applied. The typical legitimacy of traditional power is reflected in monarchical regimes. At the same time, the transfer of authority from one person to another takes place in accordance with tradition.

The charismatic legitimacy of power is based on special personal qualities, charisma - determination, courage, courage and so on. So, the political force becomes recognized and legitimate. Charisma can contribute to the formation of the personality cult leader, his idealization and deification. Legitimacy of this type of authority can be manifested in different political systems. The charismatic type of legitimacy and legality of power was characteristic of the Roman Empire under Julius Caesar, France during the reign of Napoleon, the USSR under Stalin, and China under Mao Zedong.

The legal legitimacy of power is based on the legislative system established and used in society, in accordance with specific historical circumstances. Persons with political power are appointed (or elected) according to the existing legal procedure. At the same time, the rules for the activities of politicians are clearly spelled out in legal acts.

Legitimacy is an essential property of state power. The term originated in the early 19th century in France and was used as a characteristic of legality. It should be noted that at that time Napoleon's power was considered self-employed, usurped, and therefore illegitimate and unauthorized (illegitimate). Subsequently, the scope of the concept was significantly increased. Thus, legitimacy has become not only a sign of the legitimacy and legitimacy of power, but also reflect a state of society in which citizens recognize (agree or believe) that the established political force has the right to attribute to them one or another version of conduct in the state.

According to Weber's theory, the legality and validity of the force are thus characterized by two signs. The first is the recognition of power, which is implemented by the relevant state institutions. The second sign is the duty of citizens of the state to obey the authorities.

It should be noted that the political regime can remain lawful and legitimate with the expressed distrust of citizens to some system managers or certain institutions.

Speaking of legitimacy, one should mention its level (degree). The lower the degree of eligibility and legality, the more violence is used to retain political power.