Question
What is the relationship between political institutions , political stability & political legitimacy?
Answer
The relationship between political institutions, political stability, and political legitimacy is complex and interdependent. Political legitimacy is crucial for the stability of political systems, as it reflects the acceptance of a state’s use of power by its citizens. This legitimacy, in turn, affects the ability of political institutions to function effectively and maintain stability.
Political Legitimacy and Stability
Political legitimacy is a determinant of systemic stability, as it underpins the social functions of political power and helps maintain order and security within a state (Janczuk, 2021).
A state’s ability to formulate and implement policies effectively is enhanced by political legitimacy, which positively impacts governance and stability (Arif and Dutta, 2024).
Political legitimacy is linked to political stability through the support it garners from citizens, which is essential for the survival and renewal of democratic systems (Van Ham and Van Elsas, 2024).
Political Institutions and Trust
Trust in political institutions is vital for their stability and legitimacy. Changes in representation, such as redistricting, can affect political trust, which in turn influences the stability of these institutions (Kukreja, 2024).
Political institutions are also shaped by cultural and institutional factors, which together contribute to a comprehensive understanding of political legitimacy and its impact on stability (Harfst and Wiesner, 2024).
Interactions and Implications
The interaction between political legitimacy and political institutions is crucial for maintaining stability. Legitimacy fosters support and imposes constraints that stabilize political dynamics (Schoon, Joosse and Milward, 2020).
Political disaffection and the perceived performance of political institutions can influence state legitimacy, affecting the stability of political systems (Del-Castillo-Feito, Cachón‐Rodríguez and Paz-Gil, 2020).
Conclusion
Political legitimacy, stability, and institutions are deeply interconnected. Legitimacy supports stability by ensuring citizen acceptance of political power, which in turn enhances the effectiveness of political institutions. Trust in these institutions is crucial for their legitimacy and stability, and changes in representation can significantly impact this trust. Overall, maintaining political legitimacy is essential for the stability and effective functioning of political systems.
References
Van Ham, C., & Van Elsas, E., 2024. When legitimacy becomes the object of politics: the politicization of political support in European democracies. Frontiers in Political Science. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpos.2024.1363083
Janczuk, A., 2021. Legitymizacja władzy politycznej jako uwarunkowanie stabilności i bezpieczeństwa – model systemowy. **, 28, pp. 67-86. https://doi.org/10.17951/K.2021.28.1.67-86
Arif, I., & Dutta, N., 2024. Legitimacy of government and governance. Journal of Institutional Economics, 20. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1744137423000334
Kukreja, R., 2024. Does representation affect trust in political institutions?: Evidence from redistricting in India. World Development. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2024.106563
Harfst, P., & Wiesner, C., 2024. Measuring political legitimacy in two dimensions: internal and external measures. Frontiers in Political Science. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpos.2024.999743
Schoon, E., Joosse, A., & Milward, H., 2020. Networks, Power, and the Effects of Legitimacy in Contentious Politics. Sociological Perspectives, 63, pp. 670 – 690. https://doi.org/10.1177/0731121419896808
Del-Castillo-Feito, C., Cachón‐Rodríguez, G., & Paz-Gil, I., 2020. Political Disaffection, Sociodemographic, and Psychographic Variables as State Legitimacy Determinants in the European Union. American Behavioural Scientist, 66, pp. 86 – 105. https://doi.org/10.1177/0002764220981116
Best, S. (2002) Introduction to Politics and Society. London: Sage.
Garner R., Ferdinand, P. and Lawson, S. (2009) Introduction to Politics. Second edition. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
