Question

Difficulty: MediumAuthority: Definition, Scope, and Weberian Typology

According to Max Weber's typology of authority, which form of authority derives its legitimacy from obedience to established constitutional rules, impersonal laws, and official positions rather than the personal qualities of a leader?

  1. Legal-rational authorityAnswer
  2. B
    Traditional authority
  3. C
    Charismatic authority
  4. D
    Coercive power

Answer

Legal-rational authority
Legal-rational authority is legitimacy derived from a formal system of legal rules, statutes, and constitutional procedures where citizens obey established offices rather than individual personalities.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze the source of legitimacy described in the stem.
The prompt emphasizes compliance based on constitutional rules, codified laws, and formal offices.
Max Weber categorized legitimate authority into three ideal types based on their underlying sources of legitimacy: traditional, charismatic, and legal-rational.
2
Match the description to Max Weber's authority typology.
Obedience grounded in formal rules and constitutional procedure defines legal-rational authority.
Under legal-rational authority, obedience is owed to the legally established office and rule system rather than to the individual person holding office.

Key Concept

Max Weber's Legal-Rational Authority
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