Power, Authority, and Legitimacy Quiz

Read each statement. Decide if it is an example of power, authority, or legitimacy. Underline the word or words that help you decide. Authority: A 1000-year-old tradition that a member of the royal family has the right to rule.

• Power

• Authority

• Legitimacy

Read each statement. Decide if it is an example of power, authority, or legitimacy. Underline the word or words that help you decide. Legitimacy: A public belief that religious law and a religious deity or deities reign supreme.

• Power

• Authority

• Legitimacy

Read each statement. Decide if it is an example of power, authority, or legitimacy. Underline the word or words that help you decide. Power: Officials elected by the people take on the everyday tasks of governing.

• Power

• Authority

• Legitimacy

Read each statement. Decide if it is an example of power, authority, or legitimacy. Underline the word or words that help you decide. Authority: A constitution written by the people giving elected representatives the right to rule.

• Power

• Authority

• Legitimacy

Could you have power but not legitimacy? How?

• Yes, power can exist without legitimacy.

• No, power always requires legitimacy.

• It depends on the context.

• Legitimacy is irrelevant to power.

Could you have authority but not power? How?

• Yes, authority can exist without power.

• No, authority always comes with power.

• It depends on the context.

• Authority and power are the same.

Could you have power but not authority? How?

• Yes, power can exist without authority.

• No, power always comes with authority.

• It depends on the context.

• Power and authority are always linked.

Could you have sovereignty but not power? How?

• Yes, if a state is recognized as sovereign but lacks the ability to enforce its rules.

• No, sovereignty always implies having power.

• Yes, if a state has legitimacy but lacks authority.

• No, power is a prerequisite for sovereignty.

Could you have legitimacy but not authority? How?

• Yes, legitimacy can exist without authority.

• No, legitimacy and authority always coexist.

• It depends on the context and situation.

• Legitimacy and authority are unrelated concepts.

What might a citizen say in the presence of a sovereign ruler?

• Long live the King!

• How are you?

• Goodbye!

• See you later!