Power, Authority, and the State
Who Rules?
Power and authority
Power is the ability to get others to do something. Authority is power seen as legitimate, meaning people accept it as rightful.
The state
The state refers to the institutions that make and enforce rules within a territory, including law, policing, courts, and public administration.
Core concepts
Power
Ability to influence others
Authority
Legitimate power
State
Institutional organization governing a territory
Legitimacy
Acceptance that authority is rightful
What makes authority different from simple power?
Authority is power accepted as rightful.
Correct answer: Authority is seen as legitimate
What is the state?
It includes law and other governing institutions.
Correct answer: The institutions that make and enforce rules in a territory.
Legitimacy matters
People are more likely to obey rules when they believe authority is legitimate.