What is the difference between "grassroots legitimacy" and "elite legitimacy" for pressure groups?

• A. Grassroots legitimacy derives from broad, popular support; elite legitimacy comes from access to and recognition by decision-makers.
• B. Grassroots legitimacy comes from elite donors; elite legitimacy comes from broad popular support
• C. Grassroots is about funding; elite is about membership
• D. They are the same

Answer: (A)

The difference hinges on where a pressure group’s legitimacy comes from. Grassroots legitimacy comes from broad, popular support—the sense that many ordinary people back the group and its causes. This kind of backing signals democratic legitimacy because it reflects public endorsement and active citizen involvement. Elite legitimacy, on the other hand, comes from access to and recognition by decision-makers—being heard by and influential with politicians, policymakers, and official actors, often backed by insider networks or expert credentials. So the best statement captures that grassroots legitimacy stems from widespread public backing, while elite legitimacy rests on ties to and acknowledgment by those who shape policy. The other options mix up these sources or treat legitimacy as simply about funding, membership, or sameness, which doesn’t fit how legitimacy is understood in this context.