What is legitimacy and how is it gained?

Legitimacy is rightful authority. This means the right to assert power over other people. Legitimacy according to political thinker Max Weber has 3 sources:Traditional - this means that people see it something as legitimate because it has always been so. An example of this in the UK is the Monarchy, legitimacy is given to the monarchy because people have traditionally given it so, not because of any mandate or electionCharismatic - authority and power is wielded through an individual who through personal characteristics people respect and thus accept his/her's goverment. The classic example is Hitler in Nazi Germany - legitimacy of Nazi rule was through Hitler's charisma and personal cult-like status rather than the strength of institutions or traditional sources of authorityLegal-rational - the legitimacy of institutions. The idea that the police force, courts and army all are legitimate because they protect and serve the public interest, so people see these as legitimate.