Types and Legitimacy of Authority

What is the primary function of elected officials in a representative democracy?

What characterizes deliberative democracy?

What does the concept of balancing majority rule with minority rights aim to prevent?

Which factor is NOT mentioned as a cause of the democratic recession observed at the beginning of the 21st century?

What perception contributes to the delegitimization of democratic regimes?

What is a characteristic of rational-legal authority?

What distinguishes de jure authority from de facto authority?

Which form of authority is characterized by public acceptance and support?

How does utilitarian philosophy relate to democracy?

Which type of democracy allows citizens to participate directly in decision-making?

What role does legitimacy play in governance?

What is the primary feature of traditional authority?

What is a potential drawback of authority that is 'manufactured' through ideological manipulation?

Rational-Legal Authority

Based on legal and constitutional rules, limiting the power of leaders (president, PM).
Well-defined rules in legal documents reduce abuse of power.
Authority inherent in the position, not the individual.
Associated with democratic regimes and modern industrial societies.

Types of Authority

De Jure Authority: Authority defined by rules and procedures (law).
De Facto Authority: Authority in practice, lacking formal rules.
Charismatic Authority: Authority based on personal appeal.

Legitimacy

Foundation for stable governance, gained through public acceptance of authority.
Significance: crucial for a regime's long-term stability and survival.
Can be achieved through public support or manipulative techniques.
Rooted in the legal framework of the state, defining the powers of leaders.

Democracy

Government by the people, allowing citizens to make decisions and hold leaders accountable.
Inspired by utilitarian philosophy (maximizing public happiness).
Aim: prioritize public interests over leaders' personal gain.

Types of Democracy

Direct Democracy: Citizens directly participate in decision-making (small scale).
Representative Democracy: Elected officials represent constituents (large scale).
Deliberative Democracy: Decisions based on informed, inclusive discussions.

Democratic Recession

Rise of authoritarian regimes and populist movements.
Increased voter abstention and distrust of politicians.
Possible causes: Poor economic performance of Western democracies and a perception that the ideals of equality and freedom are not realized in practice.
Balancing majority rule and minority rights prevents oppression.

This quiz explores the concepts of rational-legal authority, legitimacy, and various types of authority in governance. Understand the distinctions between de jure, de facto, and charismatic authority, and their significance in democratic regimes. Test your knowledge on how legal frameworks shape authority and public acceptance.