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Authority and Legitimacy

13 min read

OPSC OAS Sociology Paper I, Unit 9: Political System. 21-section notes on Authority and Legitimacy.

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    ← Unit 9: Political System

    1. Power, Authority, and Legitimacy - The Conceptual Triangle!

    How are power, authority, and legitimacy related?

    Before studying each concept, it is essential to understand the precise relationship among these three foundational ideas - distinct but inseparably linked.

    DefinitionPower (Weber): The capacity to influence the behaviour of others, even against their resistance. Power can be legitimate or illegitimate, based on consent or coercion.
    DefinitionAuthority: Power that is recognised as rightful by those over whom it is exercised. Authority is legitimate power - obedience is given willingly because of belief in the right to command.
    DefinitionLegitimacy: The belief that a system of authority is just, proper, and ought to be obeyed. Legitimacy is the quality that transforms raw power into authority.
    Read the full notes (21 sections) in the EduSaint Odisha app
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    In these notes
    1. Power, Authority, and Legitimacy - The Conceptual Triangle!
    2. Sources of Power - Weber's Two-Fold Classification!
    3. Authority - Meaning, Elements, and Nature!
    4. Weber's Three Ideal Types of Authority - Introduction and Traditional Authority!
    5. Charismatic Authority and the Routinisation of Charisma!
    6. Rational-Legal Authority and Weber's Bureaucracy!
    7. Comparative Overview - Weber's Three Types of Authority!
    8. The Concept of Legitimacy - Meaning and Dimensions!
    9. Historical Evolution of Legitimacy - Divine Theory and Hobbes!
    10. Historical Evolution of Legitimacy - Locke and Montesquieu!
    11. Historical Evolution of Legitimacy - Rousseau and Marx!
    12. Historical Evolution of Legitimacy - Complete Comparative Table!
    13. Max Weber and the Sociology of Legitimacy!
    14. David Beetham - A Critique and Refinement of Weber!
    15. Jurgen Habermas and the Legitimation Crisis!
    16. Political Obligation - Why Do Citizens Obey?
    17. UPSC Answer Framework - Power, Authority, and Weber's Typology!
    18. UPSC Answer Framework - Critically Examining Legitimacy (Weber, Beetham, Habermas)!
    19. Key Quotations and Frequently Tested Conceptual Pairs!
    20. Comprehensive Comparative Tables - All Major Thinkers!
    21. Conclusion and Complete Keywords Glossary!

    Sourced from the Odisha Public Service Commission where applicable. opsc.gov.in. EduSaint is not affiliated with OPSC.