RE: Debate Forum - Week 9 - Legitimacy of Government

Most modern governments at least need an optimal level of legitimacy to govern. It does not mean though that the government needs to be popular among the citizens. Some governments actually thrive because they are considered legitimate by the influential group of elites. Most modern governments thrive because they follow the rule of law and they are working under the guise of established institutions that are considered to be the authority by the people. With the increasing population, higher level of apathy among the citizens and different institutional limitations as well as challenging ways in implementing reforms that are actually responsive to the people's needs, it is very hard to measure the level of people's support to the government in the modern times. Even the conduct of elections of the leaders that lead the government are questionable if the results are actually reflective of the people's will as it is not the people who choose the candidates but they just choose from among those who are capable to run for office. In the modern times, my take is legitimacy of the government is no longer important and will not actually dictate if the government can thrive. The system and institutions that are considered to be the norm by the people are where most modern governments depend their existence. They can either use it to their benefit or implement reforms that could be reflective of the people's will. Most modern governments use these systems and institutions even if they are oppressive as means to justify their actions and assert their right to govern over the people.