Comment on the Tools of legitimation of the State.
How the answer moves
The flow snapshot — the routes in, the body, the counter-view and the routes out.
Route 1 Legitimacy transforms naked power into rightful authority → obedience from duty, not fear
Route 2 Rousseau: turn strength into right, obedience into duty → state needs definite tools
Legitimation = securing popular allegiance → internal tools: law & order + peace → rights + free press → participation + inclusive state-building → services + welfare → constitutionalism + public accountability as checks → external tool: mutual recognition → distinct political entity → indicators: taxes, national symbols, voting, acceptance → Lipset (Political Man): a condition for stable democracy
Tools not foolproof → Habermas: crisis tendencies when capitalist economy & democratic demands pull apart
Route 1 Tools = bridge converting power into willing obedience
Route 2 Legitimacy must be earned and renewed, not assumed
Model answer
Handwritten, in the form it would be written in the examination hall.
Also asked on this head
Power, Authority & Legitimacy — 10 questions in the Vault.
- Legitimacy is always a ‘social construct’. (150 words)
- Do you think that legitimacy acquired by consent or manufactured by indoctrination is an essential element in maintenance of political rule? Justify your answer with relevant...
- Explain Macpherson’s view on power.
How this is taught
The same flow snapshot, built for every head of the syllabus, with the answer written in class.
The first session of Foundation 2027 is published in full.
Six programmes across three levels.