Identifying sources of democratic legitimacy: A multilevel analysis
Resource
Electoral Studies, 27(1), 45-62
Journal
Electoral Studies
Journal Volume
27
Journal Issue
1
Pages
45-62
Date Issued
2008
Date
2008
Author(s)
Abstract
Democracy enjoys a significant base of popular support in the 41 country samples covered by CSES Module II. While higher levels of support for democracy seem to be a defining feature of the established democracy, the emerging democracies including post-communist regimes also enjoy a solid base of pro-democracy sentiment. The endurance of many emerging democracies is not under any immediate danger because popular belief in the superiority of democracy is not susceptible to the ups-and-downs of government performance or short-term economic fluctuation. Our analysis also demonstrates that all three theoretical perspectives, modernization/postmodernization, institution, and rationality, are indispensable for a comprehensive understanding of the sources of democratic legitimacy for both established and emerging democracies. However, most of the theoretical predictions based on a narrow conception of 'utility-maximization' turn out to be less relevant. Instead, our analysis shows that performance-based legitimacy is a function of a more diffuse basket of political goods including freedom, accountability and representativeness. © 2007 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
SDGs
Type
journal article
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