Legitimacy of Authority (AO1)

Question 1

what gives certain individuals authority over others?

Answer 1

• the hierarchical structure of society

- the authority is legitimised by the agreement + approval of society, as it allowed society to function smoothly

Question 2

what does this legitimacy of authority grant?

Answer 2

• some individuals the power to punish others, and people therefore give up their independence and behaviour over to these individuals

Question 3

what can destructive authority use?

Answer 3

• their legitimate powers to order people to behave in destructive and dangerous ways