Question

question 9 of 10
which statement best describes the relationship between power and
authority?

a. authority is only used to enforce rule of law in the absence of
power.

b. authority is a type of power used only in democracies.

c. authority is the ability to use power legitimately.

d. authority is the use of power specifically by a nation-state.

Explanation:

Power refers to the capacity to influence others, while authority adds legitimacy—acceptance of that power as rightful. Option C correctly captures this core relationship: authority is the legitimate exercise of power. Other options are incorrect: A reverses the logic, B limits authority to democracies (it exists in other systems), and D restricts it to nation-states (authority applies to various entities like organizations).

Answer:

C. Authority is the ability to use power legitimately.