Theory of Political Legitimacy and Its Analytic Framework

The analytic framework of the theory of legitimacy is composed of the essence and basis of legitimacy, and also the formation, performance and countermeasure of legitimacy crisis. In politics, legitimacy refers to the public's acceptance of and voluntary obedience to the political system, which is essential to the persistent rule of the political system. Legitimacy can be evaluated by its conformation to public interests, morality, legalization and its diachronic features. In modern society, democracy is the only source of legitimacy of modern political system. Weakened or sabotaged bases of legitimacy would result in legitimacy crises and political instability. To deal with legitimacy crises, reform or revolution can be chosen.