Legitimacy — Social Studies definition
Defined in 2 courses:
- A recognized or claimed basis for rightful authority. (Global History & Geography I: Early Societies to c. 1750)
- Acceptance or justification of governing authority. (Government, Civic Participation & Economics)
Where it is taught
- Comparing Empires: Resources, Law & Legitimate Rule — Belief Systems, Communities & Imperial Rule, Global History & Geography I: Early Societies to c. 1750, Grade 9
- Government, Authority, Legitimacy & the Rule of Law — Foundations of Government & Public Reasoning, Government, Civic Participation & Economics, Grade 12
In use
Conquest, alliances, tribute, taxation, infrastructure, and claims to legitimacy can reinforce one another.
Comparing Empires: Resources, Law & Legitimate Rule
Questions using legitimacy
Problem 1
Answer and explanation
People may comply because of sanctions, dependence, or lack of alternatives. Compliance shows behavior under particular conditions; legitimacy requires evidence about acceptance or justification. Check the governing rule and affected people’s reasoning rather than inferring consent from obedience.
Problem 2
Answer and explanation
Collection establishes an exercise of practical power, while the supplied charter identifies a council procedure that has not occurred. The packet therefore supports questioning the mayor’s claimed authority. It does not establish all possible powers or legal remedies, and payment does not prove residents accepted the fee as justified. Review the complete rules, notices, decisions, and available review before drawing a broader conclusion.
Identify the charter’s approval rule.
Separate collection from valid enactment.
State what additional records could establish acceptance or a remedy.
Response criteria
- Explain the relevant institution or economic concept accurately; show correct calculations where needed.
- Connect supplied evidence and stated assumptions to an explained conclusion.
- Compare feasible options and their effects on different people without stereotypes.
- Identify a limitation, tradeoff, uncertainty, or condition that qualifies the conclusion.