Which of the following concept confirms the general acceptance and recognition of a government?

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which concept shows that people generally accept and recognise a government as rightful. The key words are "general acceptance and recognition."

Step 2: Explain the concepts

• Authority: The right to make and enforce decisions. It is the legal or formal right to rule, not the acceptance itself.
• Legitimacy: The popular acceptance of a government's right to rule. When citizens recognise a government as lawful and rightful, and are willing to obey it, that government has legitimacy. It usually comes from fair elections, constitutional procedures, or traditional acceptance.
• Political culture: The shared beliefs, values, and attitudes people hold about politics.
• Political power: The ability to influence or control the behaviour of others, even through force.
• Sovereignty: The supreme, final authority of a state over its territory and people, free from outside control.

Step 3: Apply to the question "General acceptance and recognition of a government" is the textbook definition of legitimacy. For example, the Nigerian government elected in a free and fair election is widely accepted as legitimate. A military regime that seizes power by force may have power but often lacks legitimacy because people have not accepted it.

Step 4: Answer The correct option is B. Legitimacy.

Exam tip: Link the keywords to the concept:

• Acceptance / rightful to rule → Legitimacy
• Legal right to rule → Authority
• Ability to force compliance → Power
• Supreme, independent → Sovereignty

Well done for working through this. Keep practising these distinctions, as they appear often in Government papers.