Final answer:
This statement is true, Dictatorships often lack legitimacy as they maintain power without the consent of the governed and use intimidation and force, though some may seek a veneer of legitimacy through flawed elections.
Step-by-step explanation:
Dictatorships are often considered illegitimate by the standards of democratic governance, as they tend to seize and maintain power without the consent of the governed. Although some authoritarian regimes may hold elections to attempt to convey a sense of legitimacy, these processes are typically neither free nor fair, involving rigged ballots and suppression of opposition. As such, their legitimacy is frequently questioned both domestically and internationally.
A claim to legitimacy in a dictatorship would be considered true if the majority of citizens within the country see the regime as legitimate and feel that it responds to their needs. However, this is rare and generally not the case, as dictatorships often secure their power through means such as intimidation, military might, and brutality. True legitimacy typically stems from a government's accountable and responsive attention to its people's needs, which is not often found in authoritarian or dictatorial governance.