Theory question 103
Power, Authority, Legitimacy and SovereigntySection A
(a) What is political authority?
(b) Explain the various types of political authority.
Show the model answer
Model answer
(a) The recognised and accepted right to make and enforce decisions and laws that citizens obey; power that is legitimate
(b) Traditional authority: based on custom and inheritance (e.g. Emirs, Obas, chiefs)
Charismatic authority: based on the exceptional personal qualities of a leader that inspire loyalty (e.g. Nkrumah, Gandhi)
Legal-rational authority: based on laws and constitutionally defined offices (e.g. an elected President, a judge)
(Max Weber's classification); may also mention delegated authority
Explanation
Use Weber's three types and give an example of each.