Political Systems and Government Types
How does charismatic legitimacy predominantly differ from traditional legitimacy as a source for governmental authority?
Traditional regimes mobilize larger segments society since their power stems shared beliefs about how society should be structured.
Both types focus heavily individual leaders provide direction but charismatic regimes also incorporate legal-rational elements more frequently.
Charismatic leaders tend not hold power as long because they don't rely on well-established processes inherent in traditional frameworks.
Personal appeal and qualities distinguish leadership under charismatic legitimacy uniquely from cultural or historical practices grounding traditional legitimacy.
What might be an unintended consequence when an authoritarian regime permits limited electoral competition for subordinate positions?
The process may inadvertently strengthen claims by opposition groups regarding their right to participate more fully in politics.
Electoral participation inevitably decreases citizens' interest in politics as it offers only an illusion of choice without real change.
Allowing limited elections will invariably lead to immediate democratic transition due to international pressure alone.
Which action reflects a basic responsibility of citizenship that helps maintain political legitimacy?
Forming international treaties
Running for office
Paying taxes
Drafting policy proposals
Which institutional arrangement could potentially weaken traditional sources of political legitimacy within an authoritarian regime?
Strengthening the secret police forces
Increasing censorship over mass media
Enhancing personality cults around current leaders
Introduction of competitive elections for local offices
How do most democratic governments gain legitimacy?
Via direct appointment by an external sovereign power.
Through claiming divine right to rule from a deity or religion.
Through free and fair elections that reflect the will of the people.
By military conquest and control over territory.
Which of the following would most likely erode political legitimacy in a democratic nation-state?
Judiciary consistently upholding constitutional civil liberties.
Persistent failure to conduct fair and transparent elections.
High levels of citizen participation in referenda and initiatives.
Regular rotation of power through free and fair elections.
Which factor is most critical in sustaining a regime's political legitimacy when transitioning from a totalitarian system to a hybrid regime?
Immediate implementation of full multiparty elections across all levels.
Increasing state control over economic resources to ensure growth.
Maintaining former security apparatus structures without reforms.
Effective integration of opposition groups into the political process.

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Considering Max Weber's three types of legitimate authority, which one relies most heavily on a belief in the sanctity of established traditions to justify the power of political leaders?
Democratic authority
Traditional authority
Charismatic authority
Rational-legal authority
In countries where informal institutions significantly affect governance, what change would best enhance the formal democratic process?
Strengthening rule of law to limit informal patron-client networks.
Decentralizing government authority uniformly across regions.
Adding more parties to create a broader coalition government system.
Expanding executive powers to bypass bureaucratic challenges.
Which source of legitimacy refers to the capability of the government to fulfill its goals and expectations?
Governmental effectiveness
Tradition
Nationalism
Economic growth