Question

Which statement best summarizes the concept of legitimate power?

A. governments use power only to execute laws
B. governments gain power because citizens agree that they do
C. governments can amend constitution only through certain processes
D. governments must agree to share power among levels or branches

Answer 1

The correct answer is B. governments gain power because citizens agree that they do.

Being a legitimate government means that you were chosen legitimately by the people, usually through a general democratic election. This way a government is both legal and legitimate and illegitimate governments are usually not recognized in worldwide politics even if they have power of their people.