Legitimation is the process of approval of eligibility, or the legitimacy of power within society.The essence of this phenomenon reflects the ongoing commitment of persons with certain powers, confirming its political viability.Thus, the legitimacy of the government - is the recognition of the legitimacy of public masses forces, which relies on the voluntary consent of the population to obey its decisions.
can talk about the legitimacy of power, if the methods of its setting and the results of its activities are consistent with the ethical and legal standards, political awareness, attitudes, principles and beliefs characteristic of the majority of citizens.
widely used in political science at Weber's classification of the legality and legitimacy of the forces.According to Weber's concept of legitimacy of state power is the traditional, legal and charismatic.
traditional type of legitimacy and eligibility is based on public confidence in the permanence of traditions and norms that have developed in the course of a certain historical development of a particular society.These pillars govern the relations of power, empower one and forcing others to obey.All members of society are obliged to respect the rules.When disobedience apply certain sanctions, adopted in society.Typical legitimacy of the traditional type is reflected in the monarchy.The transition of power from one person to another is in accordance with tradition.
charismatic legitimacy based on particular personal qualities, charisma - determination, courage, courage and so on.Thus, political power becomes a recognized and legitimate.Charisma can contribute to the formation of the personality cult leader, his idealization and deification.The legitimacy of the power of this type can manifest itself in different political systems.Charismatic type of competence and legality of force was characteristic of the Roman Empire under Julius Caesar, France during the reign of Napoleon, the Soviet Union under Stalin and China under Mao Zedong.
Legal legitimacy is based on the legal system, installed and used in society, according to the specific historical circumstances.Those endowed with political power are appointed (or elected) in accordance with the existing legal procedures.At the same time the rules of political leaders clearly stated in the legal acts.
legitimacy is an essential feature of state power.The term originated in the early 19th century in France and was used as a characteristic of the rule of law.It should be noted that while the power of Napoleon was considered arbitrarily usurped-and therefore illegal and unauthorized (illegitimate).Subsequently, the scope of the notion has increased significantly.Thus, the legitimacy has become not only denote the legitimacy and legality of the government, but also reflect a state of society in which citizens recognize (accept or believe) that the established political force has the right to attribute them to one or the other type of behavior in the country.
According to Weber's theory, the legitimacy and legality of the powers thus characterized by two features.The first is considered the recognition of power, which is implemented by the relevant government institutions.The second feature - it is the duty of citizens to obey the state authorities.
It should be noted that the political regime can remain competent and legitimate expression of no confidence in the citizens of some leaders of the system or specific institutions.
Speaking of legitimacy, it should be mentioned level (degree).The lower degree of competence and legitimacy, the more violence is used to retain political power.
