Authority and Legitimacy

The concept of authority and legitimacy is particularly an efficient exercise of power. Max Weber defined “authority” as the power which is recognized as legitimate and justified by both the powerful and the powerless. On the other hand, Weber linked “legitimacy” to the willingness to comply with the system of rule or to obey command. An authorized person or a group of people has the right in enforcing certain kinds of commands that must be complied. In legitimacy, the system of government is involved. Therefore, it is relevant in constituting rules and laws legalized by the government. People are normally born in social classes. People at higher levels have power over the people below. Either authority or legitimate power has the capability to influence people because of their position. However, each person with legitimate power applies their own individual style. Both terms are a matter of perception. Authority and legitimacy can only exist due to the level of power wielded by a person. For example, the authority of the government officials can only be present if most of the public believes that their existence is appropriate. They can continuously rule as long as they are supported by the people. On the other way around, the legitimacy of the government can only be maintained by providing the wants and needs of the masses through different means.


Nevertheless, authority and legitimacy can be compared to power in particular ways. A person can have authority without power. You can command a person to do what you desire even though you are not in the position above them. For instance, a school bully takes whatever he wants from his fellow classmates. You can also have authority without power. It is not always the case that even you are in the position, you can control and rule everyone. Just like a school teacher who cannot command her class to behave. In the same way, a person can have legitimacy but no actual power. A legitimate king might reside in exile, destitute and forgotten. An illegitimate person can also have power. We might consider for example, the people who usurp the throne of the king. It is indeed true that power, legitimacy and authority have a significant distinction.


SOURCES:

http://atheism.about.com/od/religiousauthority/a/whatisauthority.htm retrieved November 16, 2010 11:02pm

Hurd, Ian ( March 22, 1999 ). Legitimacy and authority in international politics. International Organization

R. Stryber (2001 ). International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences. Elsevier Science Ltd.