Following efforts/means are required to achieve and maintain legitimacy by a political system.
(1) Adjustment with New Circumstances :
When a political system is successful enough to adjust itself according to changes in political, social, economic and cultural fields then it can maintain its legitimacy. If a political system does not make adjustments with new changes then some danger stands before the legitimacy of the system.
For example, there was autocracy in ancient time. Eater on, democratic thoughts came into being. Those political systems which modified themselves according to democratic values, their legitimacy continued and those which could not do so, revolutions occurred there. Many countries of Africa and Asia are examples of such revolutions. Communist system could not change itself and therefore it lost its legitimacy at global level.
(2) Regard for Traditions :
In every country and society, there are some popular traditions which become a compulsory part of human life there. The political system should respect these traditions if it wants to maintain its legitimacy in that society.
The political system should modify itself according to these traditions.
(3) Entrance of New Groups in Politics :
The pre-existing political system or group should welcome the newly arising political groups. By this the legitimacy of. old system increases. If the already existing political group opposes the emergence of new political units then the legitimacy of the old group is negatively affected.
(4) Over-expectations from Political Systems :
Over-expectations of public from political system put ill effect on the legitimacy of the system. When a political system remains incapable of satisfying the public expectations then its legitimacy falls in danger. Therefore, a political system should promise the least and do the most to maintain its legitimacy.
(5) Personal Virtues :
Leadership qualities play an important role in maintaining the legitimacy of the political party of the leader. If the leader has dynamic qualities then the public keeps faith in him/her and legitimacy continues.
(6) Decision based on Consent :
To maintain legitimacy it is necessary that all the people related to a political system should participate directly or indirectly in decision processes. Adult suffrage and election on time are basic means of sharing all people in decision process.
(7) Separation of Political Institutes and Armed Services :
To maintain democratic structure and legitimacy it is necessary to keep political units and military units separate. Besides, the political units should dominate military. Only then legitimacy can be maintained.
