Authority

Definition

Authority is the legitimate power that an individual or group holds and exercises through consensus, law, or tradition within a given society. It enables those in positions of authority to enact policies, make decisions, and govern with recognized legitimacy.

Related terms

Power:

The ability to influence or outright control the behavior of people, often measured by one's capacity to enact change or command resources.

Legitimacy:

The recognized right to rule, typically granted through legal means, moral consensus, or established norms within a society.

Public Policy:

A course of action created and enforced by governments or other governing bodies aimed at achieving specific goals within a society