1. Power, Authority & Legitimacy
Lesson starter:
What is the difference between power and authority?

2. Success Criteria – I can…
We are learning to…
Success Criteria – I can…
Define the concept of Authority
Describe & Explain the concept of authority
Summarise Max Weber’s three types of Authority
Use these ideas in a Higher politics essay on P,A,L or Weber

3. Concepts Studied in this Unit
The political concepts that will be looked at in this Unit are:
Power – different definitions of power, using the work of Steven Lukes (1974).
Authority – linked closely to power, the concept of authority, using the work of Max Weber.
Legitimacy – linked to authority and rightful power, the use of free elections, again using the work of Max Weber.

4. PAL
Power: is the ability to influence through the use of threats, sanctions or manipulation (including bargaining).
Authority: The acceptance of power which makes a leader or group the ‘rightful’ owner of power
Legitimacy: Power that is seen as “legitimate” does not require force – it is seen as fair and right.

5. Power and Authority
Most people obey rules even if they don’t agree with them because they accept the prevailing system of government as legitimate. This legitimate power is called authority.
These terms are often used interchangeably, making it difficult to remember that they are different.
For someone to have authority they must have legitimacy or rightfulness: they have the right to give orders, or make pronouncements or decisions.
It is fair to say then that power, authority and legitimacy are interconnected concepts.

6. In liberal democracies like the UK those with political power can exercise it because they have been granted the ‘authority’ of the people (the voters) to do so.
Politicians in a democracy can have the power ‘removed’ from them if they do not use their powers effectively.
The power is removed through the ballot box: the voters may vote for another party other if they think the party in government has acted irresponsibly.

7. Legitimate Rule Example
North Korea
Kim Jong-un is the third supreme leader in the Kim dynasty, founded by his grandfather Kim il-Sung, the country's leader at the time of its establishment.
Kim Jong-un took over from his father Kim Jong-il.
Heavily criticised as no democratic elections are held
Leadership dependant upon the cult of personality, no free press and accused of sustained human rights abuses.

8. Legitimate Rule? North Korea
This would suggest power without legitimacy.
In addition, North Koreans are legally expected to turn up to vote but they do not make a choice.
Ballot papers have already been filled out with pre-approved candidates. Usually have one candidate on the ballot paper.
Voting is compulsory for everyone over the age of 17. Failing to take advantage of the opportunity to show support for the government is tantamount to treason.
It is regarded as political offence as it means that, politically, someone is against the regime.
Therefore no such thing as democratically elections therefore the regime has power but lacks legitimacy.
Elections are just for show and used as propaganda by the regime to show that people are supporting the Kim regime.

9. “authority is power cloaked in legitimacy”
Authority Summary
SQA Definition:
Authority is a rightful power which implies an obligation to obey.
“authority is power cloaked in legitimacy”
Authority a form of rightful power.

10. Weber’s Three Types of Authority
Starter: Explain why these three people/ groups have authority (legitimate power)
(if you think they do!)
Your grandparent Your Headteacher The Most Popular boys/ girls in school

11. Max Weber Born in Germany 1864-1920
One of the most important political and social theorists of the 19th & 20th centuries
Influential theorist on the concept of political power and authority

12. Weber’s Key Ideas on Authority
Weber argue that having authority is important irrespective of how it’s achieved.
As long as there is the perception that authority is legitimate it’s fine.
He said that having power did not need to be morally right as long as people believed you had the right to rule
He believed there were different ways a leader or group could gain authority

13. Weber believed there were three types of authority or legitimate power ;
Traditional (respect for elders)
Charismatic (value opinions and words through their responsibility)
Legal-rational or Bureacratic (respect for right of state – parliament’s legal rights to pass new laws).
Weber also called these ‘Systems of Domination’.

14. 1. Traditional authority
Traditional authority – this form of authoritative power comes from established customs passing power down on a hereditary basis; for example, the British Monarchy.
This type of authority relies on the unquestioning acceptance of hereditary systems of power and privilege.
While the UK Monarchy have a largely symbolic role as Head of State within the British political system, in places such as Saudi Arabia the monarchy are the Head of State and the government
In Native American tribes traditional authority can often be granted to the eldest member of the tribe (due to their wisdom & experience)

15. Traditional Authority
Some people accept the power and rule of others because there is a long standing tradition of things being like that.
The British Royal family could be said to have traditional authority (although they have little real power.)
Similarly a society that respects age (where elders rule) often does so on the grounds of tradition

16. North Korea & Traditional Authority
The Supreme Leaders of North Korea have been Kim Il-Sung, his son Kim Jong-il, and his grandson Kim Jong-un.
Installed as leader after WW2 AND Japanese occupation ends.
This regime commands authority because they have more or less ‘always’ existed and this is why they are regarded as legitimate. People accept that they traditionally lead and that is ‘the way it is’.

17. Analysis
It can be argued that this type of power is unquestioned because it has always existed for earlier generations.
It is therefore argued that this traditional authority can be open to abuse by those who want absolute power – expecting citizens to follow their will because it is ‘right and just’
It can be argued this type of authority is still relevant as many countries still have monarchies.
However, it may be of less significance in Western Liberal Republics i.e. Germany, USA as they have no monarchy
It may be argued to exist in countries which still have a monarchy, albeit in a constitutional form, i.e. the UK, Belgium, Spain and the Netherlands.
Some argue that traditional authority keeps alive traditions of respect, duty etc. – supported by many conservatives

18. Revision Sheet – Traditional Authority
Description – what is it?
Knowledge
Examples?
What can we argue about Traditional Authority?
Analysis

19. 2. Charismatic authority
Charismatic authority – this type of authoritative power is based on ‘charisma’ – the power of an individual’s personality.
Charismatic authority is not based on a person’s status, social position or office.
A leader with Charismatic authority often appeals directly to followers as a kind of hero or saint
Charismatic authority may die with the leader or continue to work through a group of chosen disciples.
When a charismatic leader is removed or dies it can create a vacuum of power and a weakening of authority which ultimately can lead to regime change or in extreme cases civil war.
This type of authority gives someone legitimacy based on who they are or what they have done

20. ‘The Cult of Personality’
It is important to note that charismatic authority is not simply a gift, it is often carefully manufactured or cultivated by creating a ‘cult of personality’
This is when a leader uses propaganda to portray themselves as a heroic or God-like figure.
The leader is viewed as the source of all political wisdom & therefore the Rightful Leader
Any form of criticism or opposition amounts to treason and is usually brutally supressed

21. Example 1: Adolf Hitler
Leader of Nazi Germany ‘The Third Reich’
The NSDAP never won an election so when Hitler became Chancellor it was important to create a country that worshipped him to reduce potential opposition
Created his own title ‘Der Führer’ – The Leader
Joseph Goebbels – ‘ Minister for Public Enlightenment’ – extensive propaganda campaigns created which taught Germans to love The Führer
20 April – Hitler’s Birthday became a national celebration
Young people taught in schools that Hitler had saved Germany & photo of him in every classroom
Hitler Youth – taught to adore The Führer etc.

22. One People One Country One Fuhrer

26. Example 2: Joseph Stalin
Leader of the Soviet Union – Stalin’s cult of personality was an important part of his rule
He was presented as an all- knowing, all powerful leader – described as ‘wise’ and ‘genius’ etc.
Soviet Press started to refer to him as the ‘Father of Nations’
He was portrayed as a Father Figure to Soviet people of all races & religions
From 1935 the phrase "Thank You Dear Comrade Stalin for a Happy Childhood!“ was displayed in all schools nurseries etc.
History was rewritten to give Stalin a larger role in the Russian Revolution in 1917
Statues & Portraits everywhere

30. Ex 3: North Korea & The Kim Dynasty
Kim Il Sung (1948) and his descendants
A cult of personality has been used to justify the family’s position and was greatly expanded after Kim Il Sung’s death in 1994
Known as ‘The Great Leader’ or ‘Supreme Leader’
People not allowed to split his name in writing or a book
By 1992, there were 40,000 statues of Kim Il Sung in NK
Every household is required to have a picture of both Kims hanging on a wall. Nothing else may hang on that wall and they are given special cloths to clean the images daily
The portraits have to be hung high up, so that people in the room may not stand higher than them
Birthday celebrations for the Kims also involve state media broadcasts of films about the lives and accomplishments of the leaders the night before the actual holiday - People are not allowed to talk or fall asleep until the broadcasts are over.

32. Different ‘personalities’ in the media
Examples
It could be claimed that this type of authority is prominent in the 21st century with many leaders and candidates attempting to manufacture charisma.
Think about:
Different ‘personalities’ in the media
Nigel Farage
Donald Trump
Hilary Clinton
Vladimir Putin
Obama’s Speech
Nelson Mandela
Putin

33. Analysis
It can be argued that this is a dangerous type of authority as it rarely has any legal limits and is usually associated with undemocratic dictatorships
It is usually the case that citizens are instructed to obey and acknowledge the leader’s absolute power and often citizen’s rights are limited
It can be argued that this type of authority is largely negative for citizens as a ‘cult of personality’ is usually created to justify one individual or group having dictatorial powers or oppressing people
In addition, this type of authority is rarely sustainable in the long term as the death of the charismatic leader often leads to civil war or political instability
For example, when Saddam Hussain was toppled in Iraq it created a violent power struggle between different religious groups within the country.

34. Revision Sheet – Charismatic Authority
Description – what is it?
Knowledge
Examples?
What can we argue about Charismatic Authority?
Analysis

35. Legal-rational authority
Legal-rational authority – this form of authoritative power comes from certain individuals, groups and institutions having positions of power over subordinate groups. According to Weber it operates in most modern states.
For example, constitutional arrangements that outline the functions of political institutions and rights and freedoms of individual citizens. UK (uncodified ‘unwritten’ constitution) vs USA (codified ‘written’ constitution)
An advantage of legal-rational authority is that it reduces the likelihood of power being abused. In addition, it often leads to more efficient governance as each institution has a defined remit.

36. Rational Legal Authority
Depends upon a formal set of rules which gives those who hold authority the right to direct and command others and to take decisions on their behalf.
People FREELY handing over power to another person through elections
It has a moral dimension in that people have chosen to give power to a person or group
So a democratic government can be said to exercise rational-legal authority because the electorate hands over power to it through the ballot box (ie. through voting).
Legal Rational Authority is entrenched within almost all Western Democracies, however certain politicians may try and extend their authority through Charisma – speeches, photo opportunities, TV Appearances

37. Legal-Rational Authority Example
In 1997, in the ‘Labour Landslide’, Tony Blair’s Labour Party won a majority in the House of Commons
They won 418 of 659 seats, the biggest majority of any party since WWII
The turnout was 71% (v high for G Election)
Voters chose to move to Labour from the Conservatives, ending their 18 years in power
Many would argue this high turnout and a very large majority gave Blair’s government legal authority to run the country

38. Analysis
It can be argued that this type of authority is advantageous to citizens because it gives them choice, freedom and allows them to exercise their democratic right
It can be argued that leaders with this type of authority must work in the interests of citizens and not pass laws which conflict with popular opinion or they will lose their authority (i.e. lose the next election)
This type of authority is superior to the others as it is attached to an office rather than a person; therefore it is less likely to be abused or give rise to injustice.
Therefore this maintains limits on government.

39. Analysis – Conservative & Liberal Views
Depending on where people are on the political spectrum, their views on authority may differ… A liberal would argue that authority comes form below i.e. the people give leaders electoral legitimacy. They would argue Gordon Brown lacked legitimacy because he had not won an election A conservative would argue that authority comes from above i.e. the Royals or through age/ status They would argue that the Queen has authority through the long standing tradition of the monarchy in the UK

40. Revision Sheet – Legal-Rational Authority
Description – what is it?
Knowledge
Examples?
What can we argue about Legal-Rational Authority?
Analysis

41. Legitimacy in a dictatorship
Weber argues that traditional and charismatic authority can be legitimate if accepted by populace.
Marx argued that a dictatorship of the proletariat would be legitimate as it was acting in the best interests of the masses; likewise dictators claim to uphold common good without popular approval. 

42. Limitations to Weber
What happens if a political system is challenged after an unpopular decision is made?
Authority can be challenged in a democracy.
For example, the anti-poll tax campaign arguably led to the downfall of Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher- challenged her ‘charismatic authority’
Yet, this did not lead to a loss of legitimacy as this event did not call the rightfulness of the political system into question.
Also, Weber said you only needed a ‘belief in legitimacy’ and therefore this ignores how this was brought about.
Arguably authority and legitimacy then could only be given to the powerful and Weber would justify this. These groups may be able to manufacture rightfulness and legitimacy through public relations.

43. 2017 Question
Our Question: Analyse the relevance of Max Weber’s types of authority. 12

44. Intro – Good Practice & helpful for structure
Background & Factors you will discuss. Authority can be described as ‘rightful’ power. (background) Max Weber described three types of Authority; Traditional, Charismatic and Legal Rational. (factors)

45. Para 1 – Traditional Authority
The first type of Authority is Traditional Authority.(topic sentence) This can be described as…(K – description – how does it work? Mention monarchy, hereditary etc) An example of this would be (K – example- British Royal Family) It can be argued that (analysis – why good/ bad? Is it good for citizens, can it be abused etc., is it still relevant?)

46. Para 1 – Traditional Authority
The first type of Authority is Traditional Authority. (topic sentence)
This form of authoritative power comes from established customs passing power down on a hereditary basis; for example, the British Monarchy. This type of authority relies on the unquestioning acceptance of hereditary systems of power and privilege. This type of authority is often based on ideas of traditional and established values, ‘respect for elders’ and the idea that it is ‘right’ to accept the authority of certain people or groups as it has always been that way. (K - description) x 2
An example of this would be the British Monarchy. The British Royal family could be said to have traditional authority (although they have little real power) and people accept their rule due to the log-standing British tradition of having a monarchy. Their authority is passed on through descendants i.e. Prince Charles will become King after Queen Elizabeth.
(K - example) x 1
It can be argued that this type of power is unquestioned because it has always existed and therefore this traditional authority can be open to abuse by those who want absolute power – expecting citizens to follow their will because it is ‘right and just’ This type of authority is still relevant as many countries still have monarchies. However, it may be of less significance in Western Liberal Republics i.e. Germany, USA as they have no monarchy.
(analysis) x 2

47. Para 2 – Charismatic Authority
The second type of Authority is charismatic authority.(topic sentence) This can be described as…(K – description – how does it work? Mention cult of personality) An example of this would be (K – examples – Hitler, Stalin, Kim Dynasty) It can be argued that (analysis – why good/ bad? Is it good for citizens, stable, sustainable etc.? Is it still relevant?)

48. Para 3 – Legal-Rational Authority
The third type of Authority is legal – rational authority.(topic sentence) This can be described as…(K – description – how does it work? Mention elections, constitutions) An example of this would be (K – example- Tony Blair) It can be argued that (analysis – why good/ bad? Is it good for citizens, is it democratic, are citizens rights respected etc. is it still relevant?)

49. Conclusion – Good Practice & helpful for structure
Basic sum up. In conclusion, Max Weber identified the three main types of Authority as Traditional, Charismatic and Legal- Rational. He argued that it did not matter which type of authority a leader or group possessed; as long as their power was deemed by the people to be rightful’.