The central problem for organizing government is how to distribute power. In an answer that adheres to the discussion in the text, discuss the concepts of authority and hierarchy as they fit into the legitimacy of governmental power.
What will be an ideal response?
According to the text, “a government possessed of legitimacy is said to have authority,” meaning the government has the power to execute within the confines of the constitution and can expect compliance from the public. The constitution distributes authority such that the institutions and the institutional positions of government are able to exercise authority within their limited sphere. Their legitimacy comes from the people ultimately, who support the constitution that dictates how the authority of these institutions and institutional positions must function. Administrative authority is hierarchical and is delegated authority. Administrators take orders from higher-level officials who are accountable to the voting public, thus accounting for their legitimacy.
You might also like to view...
All of the following are elements of democracy EXCEPT
a. popular participation. b. an independent judiciary. c. civilian control of the military and police. d. a chief executive that is appointed for life. e. free elections.
Recent state policies designed to address voter fraud are typically criticized by Democrats as
A) ineffective. B) unnecessary. C) attempts to deny potential voters their civil rights. D) undemocratic. E) measures that decrease turnout of working professionals.
Raich and Monson were using marijuana under California’s ______.
a. Recreational Drug Use Law b. Compassionate Use Act c. Don’t Ask Don’t Tell Policy d. constitutional provisions
In which event was there congressional oversight?
a. the approval of President Obama's 2008 budget b. the Line Item Veto Act of 1996 c. the Supreme Court nomination of Clarence Thomas d. the Watergate scandal