measures of legitimacy the US government fails

utterly

1. **Consent of the Governed**: A legitimate government derives its authority from the consent of its people, often through democratic processes.

2. **Rule of Law**: A government must operate within established laws that are applied equally to all, including itself.

3. **Effectiveness**: Legitimacy can depend on whether a government effectively provides services, security, and justice to its citizens.

4. **Justice and Fairness**: Perceptions of fairness in laws, policies, and resource distribution influence legitimacy.

5. **Cultural and Historical Alignment**: Governments that align with the values, traditions, or historical contexts of their people often enjoy higher legitimacy.

6. **Transparency and Accountability**: Trust is built through open communication and mechanisms to hold leaders accountable.