Which of the following best describes the concept of legitimacy in political authority?

Legitimacy in political authority refers to the rightfulness or acceptance of a government or leader's power by the people. When a government is considered legitimate, people believe that it has the legal and moral right to rule, which helps maintain order and stability in society. For example, if a president is elected through fair elections and follows the laws of the country, most people will see that leader as legitimate. On the other hand, if a leader takes power through force or unfair means, people may question their legitimacy, leading to protests or unrest. Thus, legitimacy is crucial because it fosters trust and cooperation between the government and its citizens.