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AP Comparative Government and Politics Practice Quiz: Political Legitimacy

Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026

Test your understanding with short quizzes. This quiz has 9 questions to check your progress.

Question 1 of 9

According to the provided text, what is the definition of political legitimacy?

All Questions (9)

According to the provided text, what is the definition of political legitimacy?

A) The process of holding regular, free, and fair elections.

B) The belief among a government's constituents that it has the right to use power.

C) The formal legal structure and powers granted to a government by its constitution.

D) The ability of a government to achieve consistent economic growth.

Correct Answer: B

The text explicitly states, 'Legitimacy refers to whether a government's constituents believe their government has the right to use power in the way they do.' The other options are listed as potential sources of legitimacy, not the definition itself.

What is a direct consequence of a regime having a high degree of legitimacy?

A) It guarantees the protection of minority rights.

B) It no longer needs to rely on its constitution.

C) Its authority is conferred and its power can be increased.

D) It must transition to a democratic form of government.

Correct Answer: C

The text states, 'Legitimacy confers authority on and can increase the power of a regime and government.' The other options are not mentioned as direct consequences.

Which of the following is identified in the text as a potential source of legitimacy for BOTH democratic and authoritarian regimes?

A) A multi-party system with competitive elections.

B) Unrestricted freedom of speech and press.

C) Constitutional provisions.

D) An independent and impartial judiciary.

Correct Answer: C

The text specifies that 'Sources of legitimacy for both democratic and authoritarian regimes can include popular elections as well as constitutional provisions.' The other options are not mentioned in the provided content.

A government that successfully navigates a severe economic crisis and brings about widespread prosperity is primarily strengthening its legitimacy through which source?

A) Tradition

B) Religious heritage

C) Nationalism

D) Governmental effectiveness and economic growth

Correct Answer: D

This scenario directly relates to the listed sources of 'governmental effectiveness' and 'economic growth' as a basis for the public's belief in the government's right to rule.

A leader who constantly invokes the nation's shared history, culture, and sense of unique identity to justify their rule is drawing on which source of legitimacy?

A) Nationalism

B) Ideology

C) Constitutional provisions

D) Popular elections

Correct Answer: A

Appealing to a shared identity and history is a core component of nationalism, which the text lists as a source of legitimacy.

In a state where a single political party has been in power for decades, the government's right to rule is often accepted by the populace because of the party's official approval. This is an example of legitimacy derived from:

A) Tradition

B) The dominant political party's endorsement

C) Religious heritage

D) Economic growth

Correct Answer: B

The text explicitly lists 'the dominant political party's endorsement' as a source of legitimacy, which perfectly describes this scenario.

All of the following are listed in the text as sources of political legitimacy EXCEPT:

A) Religious heritage and organizations

B) International recognition and foreign aid

C) Governmental effectiveness

D) Tradition

Correct Answer: B

The provided text lists religious heritage, governmental effectiveness, and tradition as sources of legitimacy. It does not mention international recognition or foreign aid.

A regime whose claim to power is based on a foundational document that outlines the structure and powers of the government is relying on which source of legitimacy?

A) Ideology

B) Nationalism

C) Constitutional provisions

D) Economic growth

Correct Answer: C

A foundational document that structures the government is a constitution. The text identifies 'constitutional provisions' as a source of legitimacy for regimes.

The provided text suggests that political legitimacy is a concept that:

A) is only relevant to authoritarian regimes.

B) is exclusively derived from winning elections.

C) can be built and maintained through various means, including performance, tradition, and ideology.

D) is less important than military power for a government's survival.

Correct Answer: C

The text provides a long list of sources for legitimacy (governmental effectiveness/performance, tradition, ideology, etc.) and notes that they apply to both democratic and authoritarian regimes, indicating that legitimacy is a broad concept derived from multiple factors.