This chapter examines the relationship between the state and its citizens through a discussion of authority, legitimacy, social capital, political culture and political socialization. The first part defines and highlights the sources of authority and legitimacy and examines how the state needs both to function effectively. Next, the chapter discusses the qualities of the ideal "democratic citizen" and examines how well the citizens of modern democracies measure up. The chapter then relates the concepts of social capital, culture, and religion as they relate to political culture and political socialization and their impact on the performance of democracies.