Power, Authority, and Legitimacy: A Political Analysis
Power, Authority, and Legitimacy
Force is the power of coercion used to exercise civilian control and domination over citizens. Authority is the reason or basis that justifies such force. Authority serves to legitimize and rationalize political power and those who wield it. Power and authority are two aspects of power.
On one hand, power is seen as absolutely necessary to regulate human society. On the other hand, it is perceived as a form of control and domination over citizens.
Legitimation of Political Power
According to Max Weber, the legitimacy of power can take three main forms:
- Traditional Legitimacy: This is based on the belief in the validity of what has always existed, such as centuries-old monarchies in Europe, China, and Japan.
- Charismatic Legitimacy: This stems from the extraordinary personal characteristics of a leading political figure, such as Napoleon, Lenin, or Churchill.
- Legal Legitimacy: This is based on the validity of laws and rational procedures. Power is legitimate when exercised in accordance with the existing law. This form of legitimation is characteristic of modern political power. The right to command and be obeyed is exercised impersonally. This right has been created and promulgated by an authority vested primarily in accordance with certain rules and procedures.
Dimensions of Legal Legitimacy
- Legitimacy of Origin: This occurs when access to power is achieved through a democratic process, such as elections.
- Legitimacy in the Exercise of Power: This is maintained when power is exercised following a common project that adheres to justice and existing laws.
The identification between legality and legitimacy has some problems that have led to a revision of the concept of legitimacy.
How is Power Legitimized?
Several theories attempt to address this question:
- Theories that Identify Legitimacy with Effectiveness: Some argue that unpopular laws can be justified if the results align with the demands of the citizens. This recalls the slogan of enlightened despotism. However, the foundation of democratic legitimacy cannot rest solely on effectiveness.
- Theories Based on Democratic Procedures: These emphasize active citizen participation in policy decisions through elections, unions, and NGOs. Many political thinkers defend this approach, as it ensures that citizens are involved in decision-making.
- Theories Based on Loyalty to Democratic Values and Human Rights: This approach is more long-term and requires a solid civic education.
Basic Functions of the State
The state assumes several basic functions for which it is entitled:
- Ensure security and order: This includes the proper functioning of state institutions, control and compliance with core standards, and defending the state against possible threats.
- Defending rights.
- Defending democratic values.
- Maintaining the status of well-being.
- Collaborating with other states.
The most fundamental right is the right to have rights (H. Arendt).