This was a popular question and the candidates who answered it performed averagely. They really had a good idea of the question. However, few candidates performed poorly in the ‘b’ part of the question. The candidates were expected to write the following points as answers to the question:
(a) Legitimacy is the acceptance and recognition by the people of the right of the ruler to govern.
(b) (i) Popular Support – A government is legitimate if it receives the popular support of the citizens.
(ii) Popular Participation – For a government to be accorded legitimacy, the citizens must be allowed to participate in political activities.
(iii) Good Governance – Any government that operates on the tenets of good governance will be accorded legitimacy.
(iv) Good Leadership – Legitimacy will be accorded to a leader with sterling qualities.
(v) Ideologies – The ability of the government to uphold the state ideology will help attain legitimacy.
(vi) Periodic free and fair elections.
(vii) Respect for Fundamental Human Rights/Rule of Law.
(viii) Appreciable level of socio-economic development in the state by the Government.
(ix) International recognition.
(x) Respect for the customs and traditions of the people.
(xi) Adherence to the provisions of the constitution of the state.