Which concept describes the social acceptance that those in power have the right to govern?

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

Answer: (C)

This describes legitimacy—the belief that those who hold power have a rightful claim to govern. When authority is legitimate, people accept and support the ruler’s right to make and enforce rules, not just because they fear punishment, but because they see the authority as rightful, just, or in line with laws, traditions, or rational-legal frameworks. That social acceptance is what allows governance to function smoothly with consent rather than coercion. Among the options, the idea captured by the term in this context is being legitimate, describing the rightful nature of authority, rather than mere power (the ability to force), democracy (a system of governance), or authority in general (the right to command without guaranteeing it’s accepted as rightful).