1. Power, Authority and Legitimacy
JYOTI
Assistant Professor
Department of Political Science
PGGC-11
Chandigarh

2. Power Characterstics Power is the capacity to influence others.
Power is relational
Power is situational
Power depends on its use
Power is backed by sanctions
The aim of power is not always clear
It is different to identity power wielders

3. Sources Self-knowledge Organization Resources Skill Mass media
Personality
Belief
Authority

4. Methods of Exercising power
Dominance
Manipulation
Persuation
Rewards
Punishment
Use of force

5. Different forms Economic power Political power Ideological power
National power

6. Criticism of Power Concept
Power is not the end, but means
The concept of Power ignores the importance of values in Politics
Criticism by marxists

7. Authority Characterstics Capacity to command Acceptance Legitimacy
Organization
Hierarchy
Rationality
Accountability
Authority is formal and definite
Minimum use of coercion

8. Kinds Traditional Authority Rational-Legal Authority
Charismatic Authority
Religious Authority
Political Authority

9. Basis of Authority Force Religion Divine Rights Ancestral Lineage
Public Consent
Legitimacy
Constitution

10. Difference between Power and Authority
Power can be legitimate or illegal but Authority is always legitimate
Power is based on force but Authority is based on consent
Power is the capacity to influence others whereas Authority is legal right to command sub- ordinates.
Authority is rational while Power can be irrational
Authority is accountable but Power can be unaccountable
Authority is exercised for common objectives,Power is used for particular objectives.

11. Legitimacy Basis of Legitimacy: Security Established Beliefs
Traditional Structures and Norms
Ideology
Spirit of Nationalism

12. Kinds
Ideological Legitimacy
Structural Legitimacy
Personal Legitimacy

13. Methods to Maintain Legitimacy
Respect for Traditions and Customs
Changes according to the new situations
Legal Provisions
Charismatic Leadership
Fulfilment of People’s hopes and aspirations
Periodic Elections
Participants of Political Culture