Final answer:
The situation that best exemplifies authority based on legitimacy in your life is following traffic rules because they are laws established by the government.
Step-by-step explanation:
The situation that best exemplifies authority based on legitimacy in your life is A. Following traffic rules because they are laws established by the government. In this situation, authority is based on legitimate power because the government has the legal right to establish and enforce traffic laws. People generally accept and follow these rules because they understand that they are necessary for maintaining order and safety on the roads.
Authority based on legitimacy is different from authority based on physical strength, personal friendship, or organizational hierarchy. While a friend may have power due to physical strength, they do not have the legitimate authority to make decisions or give orders. Similarly, a manager's authority in a company is based on their position within the organization, but it does not apply to situations outside of work.
By following traffic rules established by the government, you are choosing to respect and recognize the legitimate authority that comes from the law-making institutions.