Final answer:
Power is the ability to control or direct others, while authority is seen as legitimate power that is accepted and recognized by others. Max Weber defined these concepts, indicating power's broad impact and the importance of legitimacy in authority. The correct answer is A) Power; authority.
Step-by-step explanation:
Power vs Authority
Power is an entity or individual's ability to control or direct others. This concept suggests that individuals or groups can use their influence to shape behaviors and events. Max Weber, a sociologist who explored these ideas, defined power as 'the ability to exercise one's will over others.' Power can extend beyond personal relationships, impacting social groups, organizations, and governments. For instance, government power can influence international relations, as seen in the U.S. government's involvement in World War II, Iraq, and North Korea.
On the other hand, authority is power that people accept because it comes from a source that is perceived as legitimate. This legitimacy could be derived from laws and regulations (rational-legal authority), long-standing customs (traditional authority), or a leader's exceptional personal qualities (charismatic authority). Authority ensures that those who wield power are seen as having the right to do so.
In concise terms, the difference between power and authority can be understood as the difference between the ability to influence others through potential force or coercion, and the recognition that one has a justifiable right to do so. Therefore, in the given question, the correct answer is: A) Power; authority