#AP Comparative Government: Political Legitimacy - Your Night-Before Guide 🚀

Hey! Let's make sure you're totally prepped for the AP Comparative Government exam. This guide is designed to be your last-minute, high-impact review. We'll break down political legitimacy, its sources, and how governments maintain it. Let's get started!

#What is Political Legitimacy? 🤔

Think of it like this: if people believe in their government, they're more likely to follow its rules. If they don't, well, things can get unstable!

#Sources of Legitimacy: Where Does it Come From? 🌍

Legitimacy isn't just given; it's earned (or at least, that's the idea). Here are the main sources, and how they apply to our core countries:

#Country-Specific Sources

• The UK 🇬🇧: Tradition and stability. Think of the phrase "Keep Calm and Carry On." It's all about that historical continuity.
• Russia 🇷🇺: Tradition and nationalism. There's a strong sense of national pride and historical legacy, especially regarding Russia's role as a major power.
• China 🇨🇳: Revolution and economic growth. The legacy of Mao and the incredible economic growth of recent decades are key.
• Iran 🇮🇷: Revolution and religion. The 1979 revolution and the traditions of Shia Islam are central to their legitimacy.
• Mexico 🇲🇽: Revolution and constitution. The Mexican Revolution and the resulting constitution are sources of national pride.
• Nigeria 🇳🇬: Independence and constitution. Their independence from British rule and the 1999 constitution are crucial.

#Common Sources of Legitimacy

Let's dive into the common sources of legitimacy with examples:

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