Cours 4-5 Flashcards
What is political legitimacy?
The acceptance and justification of political authority by citizens
Political legitimacy can be assessed through normative and sociological approaches.
What are the criteria for a political institution to be legitimate?
- Follow the rule of law
- Must be elected
- Must follow the laws
- Knowledgeable about the issues
What are important qualities of an ideal political institution?
- Transparency in decision-making
- Interaction with citizens
- Involvement of citizens in decisions
What is the normative approach to political legitimacy?
A way to define political legitimacy that only defines criteria
It assesses legitimacy based on criteria defined by scholars.
What is the sociological/empirical approach to political legitimacy?
It considers legitimacy through the eyes of citizens, focusing on what they perceive as legitimate
This approach does not rely on predefined criteria.
What three components define legitimacy beliefs according to Beetham (1991)?
- Legality
- Normative justifiability
- Consent
What does ‘legality’ entail in the context of political legitimacy?
Rule of laws, including being elected.
What is normative justifiability?
It should be justifiable in the eyes of citizens, aligning with their norms and values.
What does consent mean in terms of political legitimacy?
The actual acceptance by citizens of the rules made by the institution.
What is the definition of legitimacy beliefs?
Individual’s consent with the authority of a political actor, based on the assessment that its authority is normatively justifiable.
True or False: Citizens’ beliefs about legitimacy can include their own norms and values.
True
What are the three dimensions of input legitimacy?
- Authorization
- Responsiveness
- Accountability
What does ‘authorization’ refer to in political legitimacy?
Legality; the institution must follow the rules, including being elected.
What is meant by ‘responsiveness’ in the context of political legitimacy?
The government must involve citizens and consider different points of view.
What does ‘accountability’ entail?
Justifying actions publicly and stepping down in cases of misconduct.
What constitutes output legitimacy?
Policies that benefit citizens, such as welfare, access to health, and education.
What are the criticisms regarding the European Union’s democratic deficit?
- Lack of input legitimacy
- Lack of transparency
- Lack of responsiveness and accountability
What is politicization in political communication?
Making an issue more political by increasing visibility, polarization, and diversity of actors.
What are the three requirements to politicize an issue?
- Visibility
- Polarization
- Diversity of actors
How can political communication contribute to legitimacy?
By ensuring visibility of conflicting views and making debates accessible to political actors.
What is the discourse style’s role in political communication?
It informs on actors’ goals, interests, positions, or ideologies.
What does TINA stand for in political discourse?
There Is No Alternative.
What is populism as a communication style?
Any communication that refers to ‘the people’ and contrasts them against the elite.
What is populism as an ideology?
ideology that separates society into ‘the pure people’ and ‘the corrupt elite’.
What is the relationship between populist style and populist content?
Populist style often correlates with populist content issues.
How does Twitter function as a communication tool for politicians?
- Amplifier of messages
- Substitute for traditional channels
What is the impact of an opposition deficit on democratic accountability?
If the opposition is silent, the government cannot be held accountable for their decisions.
