Discuss Weber’s concept of ideal types in political authority, with reference to real world examples. It is generally considered that Weber gave the most influential classification of types of authority: these are the traditional, the charismatic and the legal rational type, and each of them is based on obedience (Heywood,2004). Additionally, based on Weber’s view, each of the three political authorities play a specific and significant role in domination (Matheson, 1987). The rulers, the ruled and administrative staff are three elements in each type of authority (Matheson, 1987). This essay will discuss Weber’s three ideal types of political authority in detail, relationships between these three types.
Question What is constitutionalism? How does it differ from absolutism? Constitutionalism, as opposed to absolutism, balances authority throughout the government. Not only does it create equilibrium in governance, it also gives liberties and rights to its people. It does so by consisting of a set of rules and principles, “.
These three ideal types are beliefs on how a person or a country is ran while also being used to validate the right of the rulers. The first ideal type of legitimate domination is charismatic authority. This type of authority is based on someone who has charisma, “…a certain quality of an individual personality by virtue of which he is considered extraordinary and treated as endowed with supernatural, superhuman, or at least specifically exceptional powers,” (Weber 177). This type of authority figure usually has an ability to charm, persuade and direct their people. Charismatic authority is not based upon traditional or legal authority; it is based upon how the authority figure is able to have a relationship with his followers that are both emotional and spiritual.
Substantive conceptions of the rule of law go beyond this and include certain substantive rights that are said to be based on, or derived from, the rule of law. The "formal" interpretation is more widespread than the "substantive" interpretation. Formalists hold that the law must be prospective, well-known, and have characteristics of generality, equality, and certainty. Other than that, the formal view contains no requirements as to the content of the law. This formal approach allows laws that protect democracy and individual rights, but recognizes the existence of "rule of law" in countries that do not necessarily have such laws protecting democracy or individual rights.
Lord Hope stated that “the rule of law enforced by the courts is the ultimate controlling factor on which our constitution is based. The rule of law is vital to the separation of powers doctrine and
Examine the process of legitimation and exercise of authority in local power structures? Power, authority and legitimacy are more or less used as synonyms in the present societal context. A person or group withholding power is unquestionably regarded as propounders of legitimate authority. Exploring the concepts of power, authority and legitimacy becomes important as it forms an integral part of our society for a simple reason that these are the defining features of a social being with social and political institutions and hierarchies. In this essay I try to explore the evolution of power into one that is legitimate and widely accepted.
In a presidential system, the president is both the head of the state as well as that of a government. Being the head of the state, he “presides at ceremonial functions and symbolizes the nation in the eyes of the rest of the world” (Mahler, 2008, p.106). As the head of the government, he is the chief of the executive branch who makes major political decisions and heads the cabinet. Also, under the system, the president is elected independently from the legislature and has an “independent power base” (Mahler, 2008, p.107). There is no overlap of personnel, and both branches are
A democracy is a system of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives (reference.com). By living under a democratic government we ensure that our rulers are elected by the people to serve the people. What is the meaning of democracy in the United States? Democracy and respect for human rights have long been central components of U.S. foreign policy. Supporting democracy not only promotes such fundamental American values as religious freedom and worker rights, but also helps create a more secure, stable, and prosperous global arena in which the United States can advance its national interests.
What is authority? Authority in politics is the right of some person (The Prime Minister) or institution (The Government) to make political decisions and can be utilized through force as in a dictatorship or consent within a democracy. When authority is present, you have the right to give orders and become the obligation of others to obey. Authority is usually based on legitimacy. If a leader was to hold power and traditional authority, in situations like North Korea, then it is a circumstance of which the citizens have to comply with any policy
As such, it constitutes a definitive recognition not only of universally held rights but is also a statement that implies recognition of a divine power greater than that of any government When Thomas Jefferson asserted the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness in the Declaration of Independence, he was influenced by the writings of Henry Home, Lord Kames. The second fundamental principle of the United States Constitution is Self-Government. Self-government is the most important principle in the Constitution of the United States. The Founding Fathers saw that they needed to have a system which would make sure that everyone had a voice in the local, state and national governments. They wanted to have a system that could be changed when necessary.