Power, Authority, and Legitimacy

A 1,000-year-old tradition that a member of the royal family has the right to rule.

• Power

• Authority

• Legitimacy

A sovereign leader determines the country's policies and laws.

• Power

• Authority

• Legitimacy

A public belief that religious law and a religious deity or deities reign supreme.

• Power

• Authority

• Legitimacy

Officials elected by the people take on the everyday tasks of governing.

• Power

• Authority

• Legitimacy

A constitution written by the people giving elected representatives the right to rule.

• Power

• Authority

• Legitimacy

A system upheld by the people that a leader's right to rule is determined by a higher power (god/gods/goddesses).

• Power

• Authority

• Legitimacy

A dictator maintains obedience through control of information and fear.

• Power

• Authority

• Legitimacy