The form of nationalism in which the state derives political legitimacy from the active participation of its citizenry is called?

Verified explanation Source: JAMB · 2023 Reviewed 2025

The form of nationalism in which the state derives political legitimacy from the active participation of its citizenry is called?

  1. civic nationalism ✓
  2. cultural nationalism
  3. ethnic nationalism
  4. ideological nationalism
ExplanationVerified

Civic nationalism believes government power comes from citizens who participate in democracy. People gain national identity by being citizens and taking part in governance, regardless of ethnicity.

This type of nationalism values citizenship, voting, and participation over shared culture or ethnicity. Anyone who follows the law and participates can be a full member.

Civic nationalism focuses on active citizen participation as the source of government authority. This differs from ethnic or cultural nationalism which emphasizes shared heritage.

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