Leaders throughout history have become legitimate through different ways. It is important to understand that different societies have different ways to gain power. One way to rightfully gain power is through heredity. Leaders may also be considered legitimate when they have the support of the public by holding elections, like in the United States. To be a legitimate ruler, leaders must gain power for what the society accepts.

Currently the U.S. is fighting a war, envisioning a new government and leader in Iraq. How can we be sure that the Iraqi people will accept this new leader as a legitimate head of their liberated society? As the United States introduces the idea of democracy into the new Iraqi government, their way of life will definitely be affected, and hopefully they consider it legitimate.