An Introduction to the Question of Political Legitimacy

Abstract:

This article is intended as an introduction to the general framework for the study of the question of political legitimacy. In the first place, some elements related to the nominal definition of the term “legitimacy” are offered. Then a distinction is made between “legitimacy” (of power), “validity” (of law) and “justification” (of the State). Finally, two main theoretical answers to the question of political power legitimacy are presented

Key words:

Legitimacy Principles, Sovereignty of the People, Political Power, Common Good.