5.1 Sources of Power

Legitimacy grants power its authority

Legitimacy is the recognition that a government's power is rightful and should be obeyed. Max Weber identified three sources: traditional legitimacy (rooted in custom, e.g., Iranian theocracy or the UK monarchy), charismatic legitimacy (based on a leader's personal appeal, e.g., Putin or Nigeria's early leaders), and rational-legal legitimacy (based on laws and institutions, e.g., Mexico's constitutional system).

Power vs. authority

Power is the ability to make others act in a certain way, while authority is legitimate power recognized as rightful by citizens. Regimes lacking authority must rely more on coercion, while those with strong legitimacy govern more easily through consent and voluntary compliance.

Sovereignty and its challenges

Sovereignty is a state's supreme authority over its territory and people, free from outside control. Sovereignty can be threatened by internal divisions (ethnic conflict, separatist movements) or external pressures (globalization, international organizations, foreign intervention). States like Nigeria and Russia have faced sovereignty challenges from regional or separatist groups.

Key terms

Legitimacy

The recognition that a government's power is rightful and should be obeyed.

Traditional legitimacy

Authority rooted in long-standing customs and hereditary status (e.g., monarchies).

Charismatic legitimacy

Authority based on a leader's personal appeal and charm rather than laws or tradition.

Rational-legal legitimacy

Authority based on established laws, constitutions, and institutional procedures.

Sovereignty

A state's supreme, independent authority over its own territory and population.

Try an AP-style question

A written constitution differs from the UK's because the UK's is…

1. never changed
2. written in one document
3. uncodified
4. enforced by courts