By authority, the authors mean the what of power?

By authority, the authors mean the what of power?

• A. Right to use power
• B. Manner in which power is spread
• C. Use of power for good causes
• D. Desire to have power

Answer: (A)

Authority is the recognized or legitimate right to wield power and command obedience. Power is the ability to influence others, but authority adds legitimacy—people accept and follow because they view it as rightful. That makes the description "the right to use power" the best fit for what authority means. The other ideas describe how power is distributed, the purpose of power, or someone’s desire to have power, none of which define authority itself. For example, a government may have authority when its laws are seen as rightful and followed, whereas someone may have power without legitimate authority if people don’t accept or respect it.

Authority is the recognized or legitimate right to wield power and command obedience. Power is the ability to influence others, but authority adds legitimacy—people accept and follow because they view it as rightful. That makes the description "the right to use power" the best fit for what authority means. The other ideas describe how power is distributed, the purpose of power, or someone’s desire to have power, none of which define authority itself. For example, a government may have authority when its laws are seen as rightful and followed, whereas someone may have power without legitimate authority if people don’t accept or respect it.