Legitimism

Legitimism is a political doctrine that holds that the only legitimate form of government is the one established by heredity, usually in the form of a monarchy. This doctrine emphasizes the divine right of kings or the inherent right of a particular dynasty to rule. Legitimists believe that the succession to the throne should follow established dynastic rules, typically primogeniture, and that any deviation from these rules or any government established through revolution or popular vote is illegitimate.

The concept of legitimism is often associated with monarchist movements that seek to restore a deposed royal family to power. Historically, legitimist movements have played a significant role in various European countries, particularly in the aftermath of revolutions or the overthrow of monarchies. For example, after the French Revolution, legitimists in France supported the claim of the senior line of the Bourbon dynasty to the throne. Similarly, in Spain, legitimist movements have supported different branches of the royal family over time.

Legitimism is distinct from other forms of monarchism. While all monarchists support monarchy as a system of government, legitimists specifically focus on the legitimacy of a particular ruling house and its hereditary claim. This emphasis on hereditary right and established lineage is the core tenet of legitimist ideology. Opponents of legitimism often argue that governments derive their legitimacy from the consent of the governed or from their ability to provide effective governance, rather than from birthright.