Which term refers to something that is generally recognized as right and necessary by society?

Which term refers to something that is generally recognized as right and necessary by society?

• A. Power
• B. Legitimate
• C. Authority
• D. Democracy

Answer: (B)

Legitimacy is about social acceptance of what a rule, law, or institution does as right and necessary. When people view something as legitimate, they believe its authority is rightful and essential for the common good, not just because it can be enforced. This shared sense of right and necessity explains why such rules or institutions are followed willingly and maintained over time. Power can compel obedience, but that doesn’t guarantee that people see it as just. Authority refers to the formal right to command, which may or may not be seen as legitimate by the public. Democracy is a system that can be legitimate if people feel it genuinely reflects their will and protects rights. The term that best captures the idea of widespread, normative approval of what is right and necessary is legitimacy.

Legitimacy is about social acceptance of what a rule, law, or institution does as right and necessary. When people view something as legitimate, they believe its authority is rightful and essential for the common good, not just because it can be enforced. This shared sense of right and necessity explains why such rules or institutions are followed willingly and maintained over time.

Power can compel obedience, but that doesn’t guarantee that people see it as just. Authority refers to the formal right to command, which may or may not be seen as legitimate by the public. Democracy is a system that can be legitimate if people feel it genuinely reflects their will and protects rights. The term that best captures the idea of widespread, normative approval of what is right and necessary is legitimacy.