Sociology and Political Science Authority Quiz

According to Max Weber, "power" is defined as:

• The ability to influence others through kindness and rewards.
• The ability to realize one’s will even against the resistance of others.
• A legal right to tell others what to do based on a contract.
• The process of reaching a consensus in a democratic group.

What is the primary difference between power and authority?

• Power is always legal; authority is often illegal.
• Power relies on physical strength; authority relies on money.
• Authority is power that is recognized as legitimate by those being governed.
• There is no difference; the terms are interchangeable in sociology.

If a dictator uses the secret police to threaten citizens into obeying a new law, they are exercising:

• Traditional Authority
• Coercion
• Rational-Legal Authority
• Charismatic Influence

The sense that a leader has a "just" or "rightful" claim to rule is known as:

• Sovereignty
• Coercion
• Legitimacy
• Bureaucracy

Which institution did Max Weber define as having a "monopoly on the legitimate use of physical force" within a territory?

• The Family
• The State
• The Church
• The Economy

A nation-state is a political entity that:

• Has no clear borders or government.
• Relies purely on charismatic leaders to survive.
• Shares a common culture and has a centralized government with sovereignty.
• Is governed by traditional kings who live in other countries.

"Traditional Authority" derives its legitimacy from:

• Written constitutions and legal contracts.
• The extraordinary personal qualities of a leader.
• Long-standing customs and the belief that "this is how it has always been."
• Winning a popular election by a majority vote.

Which of the following is an example of Charismatic Authority?

• A King inheriting the throne from his father.
• A President being sworn in after a national election.
• A revolutionary leader who inspires followers through their personal vision and heroism.
• A CEO who manages a company based on a set of corporate bylaws.

In a system of Rational-Legal Authority, where does the "power" reside?

• In the individual's magnetic personality.
• In the "office" or the position, as defined by law.
• In the bloodline of the ruling family.
• In the physical strength of the military.

Why is Charismatic Authority considered inherently unstable?

• Because charismatic leaders are usually mean to their followers.
• Because it is tied to an individual person and often fails when that person dies or leaves.
• Because it requires too many written laws to function.
• Because people do not like being inspired by leaders.