Reference no: EM132205300

1. One of the most important concepts in government and politics is the concept of legitimacy. It is generally agreed that if a government lacks legitimacy, it cannot govern. (Your answer to 1a through 1d should be a total of 2-3 pages long, single spaced.)

a. What is legitimacy? What role does it serve in governance? Illustrate your response with examples.

b. When comparing democratic governments with dictatorships, we find that dictators generally have greater difficulty establishing legitimacy than democratic leaders. Why is this the case? Illustrate your response with examples.

c. It is often noted that in winning the year 2000 presidential race, George Bush’s victory provided him with a weak case for legitimacy. Why? (If you don’t know this answer off the top of your head, do a quick Google search on the controversies associated with the election.)

d. How did the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center and Pentagon greatly strengthen George Bush’s claims for legitimacy?

2. The concepts of separation of powers and checks and balances were originally articulated by the French philosopher, Montesquieu. They then became a cornerstone in the political thinking of the English philosopher, John Locke. Locke in turn had a major impact on the writers of the US Constitution, who incorporated his ideas into that document. (Your answer to 2a through 2b should be a total of 2-3 pages long, single spaced.)

a. What is the key principle of the separation of powers? What value does it serve in the governance of democracies?

b. What is the meaning of the concept of checks and balances? How do checks and balances help prevent tyrannical government?