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5 Dec 2025
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Understanding Power, Authority, and Legitimacy: Insights for a 20-Marker
Amy McLaughlin
@amymclaughlin_22
1 / 3
Power, Authority and Legitimacy: The Foundation
Understanding why people obey their leaders isn't as straightforward as you might think. Two key theorists, Max Weber and Steven Lukes, developed frameworks that still help us analyse modern politics today.
Weber identified three types of authority, whilst Lukes expanded this work by describing the "three faces of power". These theories help explain everything from why Tony Blair could pass legislation so easily after his 1997 landslide victory to why Liz Truss struggled during her brief time as PM.
Rational-legal authority is Weber's term for power based on formal rules and laws. Think of it as the legitimate power that comes from winning an election or following constitutional procedures. When Blair defeated John Major with a 179-seat majority, he gained massive legitimacy because the public had clearly chosen him.
Quick Check: Legitimacy is crucial - without it, leaders must rely on force or manipulation rather than willing compliance from the public.
However, legitimacy can be questioned. When Truss became PM through a leadership contest rather than a general election, many questioned whether she had the right to rule without public approval.
The Faces of Power in Action
Lukes' first face of power is the most obvious - it's power exercised openly in public view. You can see this during parliamentary debates when MPs vote on controversial legislation like the Public Order Act in 2023.
This "open face" seems transparent because debates happen publicly and elected officials make the decisions. However, the whip system complicates things - when party loyalty trumps representing constituents, does this really reflect the will of the people?
Charismatic authority relies on a leader's personal appeal rather than their formal position. Donald Trump exemplified this in 2016, building a following through rallies and rhetoric rather than political experience. Unlike Hillary Clinton's lengthy political record, Trump created a "cult of personality" that transcended traditional party politics.
Think About It: Charismatic leaders can be dangerous because they often demand total obedience and may ignore constitutional limits on their power.
The problem with charismatic authority is that it can lead to tyrannical rule. When leaders prioritise personal qualities over formal procedures, they're more likely to use coercion and threats to maintain control.
Why Legitimacy Matters Most
Legitimacy is the crucial link between power and authority - it's what separates respected leaders from dictators who rule through fear. Without legitimacy, leaders must rely on coercion, whether through military force, economic sanctions, or media manipulation.
Aristotle argued that power is only legitimate when it serves the common good rather than self-interest. This creates tension with Weber's view that compliance alone determines legitimacy, regardless of how it's achieved.
The Liz Truss example perfectly illustrates this problem. Despite holding the formal position of Prime Minister, she lacked the authority that comes from electoral victory. Her brief tenure showed how quickly political power can crumble without proper legitimacy.
Key Takeaway: True authority requires the willing consent of the governed - force and manipulation are signs of weak, illegitimate leadership.
Modern politics continues to grapple with these concepts. Whether it's questioning unelected leaders, debating the influence of party politics over individual representation, or analysing populist movements, Weber and Lukes' frameworks remain essential tools for understanding how political power really works.
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Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
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Basil
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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
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The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
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In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
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very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
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I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
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THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
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This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
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This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
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The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
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Understanding Power, Authority, and Legitimacy: Insights for a 20-Marker
Amy McLaughlin
@amymclaughlin_22
Ever wondered why some leaders command respect whilst others struggle to maintain control? Political theory breaks down the complex relationship between power, authority, and legitimacy - three concepts that shape every government and political system you see today.
Power, Authority and Legitimacy: The Foundation
Understanding why people obey their leaders isn't as straightforward as you might think. Two key theorists, Max Weber and Steven Lukes, developed frameworks that still help us analyse modern politics today.
Weber identified three types of authority, whilst Lukes expanded this work by describing the "three faces of power". These theories help explain everything from why Tony Blair could pass legislation so easily after his 1997 landslide victory to why Liz Truss struggled during her brief time as PM.
Rational-legal authority is Weber's term for power based on formal rules and laws. Think of it as the legitimate power that comes from winning an election or following constitutional procedures. When Blair defeated John Major with a 179-seat majority, he gained massive legitimacy because the public had clearly chosen him.
Quick Check: Legitimacy is crucial - without it, leaders must rely on force or manipulation rather than willing compliance from the public.
However, legitimacy can be questioned. When Truss became PM through a leadership contest rather than a general election, many questioned whether she had the right to rule without public approval.
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The Faces of Power in Action
Lukes' first face of power is the most obvious - it's power exercised openly in public view. You can see this during parliamentary debates when MPs vote on controversial legislation like the Public Order Act in 2023.
This "open face" seems transparent because debates happen publicly and elected officials make the decisions. However, the whip system complicates things - when party loyalty trumps representing constituents, does this really reflect the will of the people?
Charismatic authority relies on a leader's personal appeal rather than their formal position. Donald Trump exemplified this in 2016, building a following through rallies and rhetoric rather than political experience. Unlike Hillary Clinton's lengthy political record, Trump created a "cult of personality" that transcended traditional party politics.
Think About It: Charismatic leaders can be dangerous because they often demand total obedience and may ignore constitutional limits on their power.
The problem with charismatic authority is that it can lead to tyrannical rule. When leaders prioritise personal qualities over formal procedures, they're more likely to use coercion and threats to maintain control.
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Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Why Legitimacy Matters Most
Legitimacy is the crucial link between power and authority - it's what separates respected leaders from dictators who rule through fear. Without legitimacy, leaders must rely on coercion, whether through military force, economic sanctions, or media manipulation.
Aristotle argued that power is only legitimate when it serves the common good rather than self-interest. This creates tension with Weber's view that compliance alone determines legitimacy, regardless of how it's achieved.
The Liz Truss example perfectly illustrates this problem. Despite holding the formal position of Prime Minister, she lacked the authority that comes from electoral victory. Her brief tenure showed how quickly political power can crumble without proper legitimacy.
Key Takeaway: True authority requires the willing consent of the governed - force and manipulation are signs of weak, illegitimate leadership.
Modern politics continues to grapple with these concepts. Whether it's questioning unelected leaders, debating the influence of party politics over individual representation, or analysing populist movements, Weber and Lukes' frameworks remain essential tools for understanding how political power really works.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
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Is Knowunity really free of charge?
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Most popular content in Politics
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English - inspector calls quotes and analysis
Quotes from every main character
English Literature10
Can't find what you're looking for? Explore other subjects.
Students love us — and so will you.
4.9/5
App Store
4.8/5
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user