Legitimacy is the principle on which a government system is based
and justified. The principle requires, on the one hand, the
government’s awareness that they have the right to govern, and on
the other hand the recognition of this right by those governed. The
consequence is the political obligation of citizens to comply with
the standards established by that government.
Power in this regard refers to political power that is, first and
foremost, a state power, one which is organized and legitimized. When
considered legitimate, it becomes compulsory for every citizen to
submit to the laws.
It is true that this power belonging to the state is not limitless
or arbitrary because this attribute is exercised in accordance with
certain laws and principles.However, it is worthwhile to consider
that these laws as human creations, can be a reflection of group
interests, or can have an arbitrary and abusive character.
We can look at the 2014 Lahore clash, more commonly known as the
Model Town tragedy in Pakistan where several protestors from the
Pakistan Awami Tehreek were killed by gunfire by the Punjab police.
Can this display of power (that is considered legitimate as it
belongs to the state) then be considered justified?
This questions the legitimization of power giving the right to
state authorities to issue laws that are to be unanimously accepted.
As Lenin has showed, “the state has a monopoly on legitimate
coercion”. It is highly arguable then, as to what extent, if at
all, should this legitimization of political power occur.
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