ON LEGITIMALAISE IN THE UNITED STATES:

This article argues that Weberian principles of rational/legal legitimacy do not presently support American political institutions effectively. Instead, these institutions are characterized by "legitimalaise," a condition that Weber himself foresaw. This article provides evidence to support this thesis. It then discusses the distinctive political consequence of legitimalaise, that is, structural innovation, or the more or less permanent reform of American political institutions. It concludes with doubt that structural innovation will establish rational/legal legitimacy anew or that new forms of political legitimacy will emerge in the twenty-first century.