UK A-Levels Politics Practice Exam

What is the term for political authority granted by law or a constitution?

1. Legitimacy

2. Validity

3. Accountability

4. Transparency

The correct answer is: Legitimacy

The term for political authority granted by law or a constitution is legitimacy. In a political context, legitimacy refers to the acceptance and recognition by the populace that the governing authority has the right to rule, often derived from legal frameworks such as statutes, constitutions, and international agreements. Legitimacy is crucial for the stability of any government, as it underpins the obligation of citizens to comply with laws and the authority of those in power. Validity, while also important in legal contexts, generally pertains to the correctness or appropriateness of legal decisions or processes but does not specifically refer to the authority conferred by laws or constitutions. Accountability involves the obligation of government officials to report, explain, and be answerable for resulting consequences of their actions, which, although related to governance, does not define the nature of political authority itself. Transparency relates to the openness and clarity with which government operates, allowing citizens to understand and scrutinize decision-making processes. While all these concepts contribute to the functioning of a political system, legitimacy distinctly captures the essence of authority granted through legal means.