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Do you think that legitimacy acquired by consent or manufactured by indoctrination is an essential element in maintenance of political rule? Justify your answer with relevant examples.

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CSE 2025 (Prelims) CSAT Official Paper (25-May-2025)

Legitimacy is central to the stability of political systems. It refers to the acceptance of authority by the governed, either through voluntary consent or through manufactured indoctrination.

Consent-based legitimacy emerges in democratic systems where authority rests on elections, rule of law, and accountability. Here, people willingly obey because they recognize the government as representative of their will. For example, constitutional democracies like India or the UK derive legitimacy from periodic consent through elections. Such legitimacy is sustainable, as it is rooted in active participation.

Indoctrination-based legitimacy, however, relies on propaganda, ideology, and manipulation. Authoritarian regimes often manufacture consent by controlling media, rewriting history, or promoting nationalism. Nazi Germany or Soviet communism showcased how indoctrination can create obedience. While effective in the short term, such legitimacy is fragile, as it depends on coercion and illusion rather than genuine trust.

In practice, most regimes use a mix—democracies may employ nationalist narratives, while authoritarian states seek some degree of public approval. Yet, legitimacy grounded in consent is more enduring, as it reflects voluntary recognition rather than imposed compliance.

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Sakshi Negi

Sakshi Negi is a Delhi-based journalist and content specialist with expertise in educational content and digital media, focusing particularly on government exam preparation and career guidance. With a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from NRAI School of Mass Communication and her background as a Kendriya Vidyalaya alumna, she brings unique insights into the Indian education system and government sector opportunities.

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