Final answer:
Martin Luther King Jr. is best characterized as an example of charismatic authority, which depends on the personal appeal and emotional connection between the leader and their followers.
Step-by-step explanation:
Martin Luther King Jr. is an example of charismatic authority. This type of authority is granted to individuals who possess tremendous social appeal and the ability to empathize with the people they represent, gaining power because of these traits. Charismatic leaders may or may not hold official government positions, yet their influence can be profound and extends beyond just formal powers.
Other forms of authority include traditional, rational-legal, and bureaucratic. Traditional authority is based on long-standing practices, such as monarchy, and relies on heritage or divine right. Rational-legal authority is founded on laws, rules, and regulations, such as those found in a constitution or an employee handbook. In contrast, charismatic authority, as exemplified by Dr. King, derives from the individual's qualities and the followers' emotional connection and belief in that leader's vision.