Final answer:
The statement that if supervisors lack decision-making discretion, their legitimate power decreases is true. Discretion is crucial for exercising legitimate power and authority independently. The power dynamics within governmental institutions primarily depend on de jure and de facto rules that define their scope of authority.
Step-by-step explanation:
If supervisors are unable to make decisions on their own, their legitimate power is indeed decreased due to the contingency of power referred to as discretion. This statement is true. Discretion is the authority to make decisions within certain boundaries. Without discretion, the supposed power of supervisors is undermined because they cannot exercise judgment or authority independently.
For instance, Dillon's Rule is often misunderstood about the autonomy it provides local governments. Dillon's Rule actually restricts local government power, meaning that the statement suggesting it gives local governments freedom and flexibility is false. Likewise, the necessary and proper clause in the U.S. Constitution has not limited the power of the national government, but instead, it has been interpreted broadly to expand federal powers, making that statement false.
Regarding political systems, while dictatorships concentrate power, they technically still engage in negotiations among advisors and leaders, thus illustrating the complexity of power dynamics.
Government and the Legitimate Use of Power
The power of governmental institutions is indeed based on both de jure (legally established) and de facto (reality of how power is exercised) rules. In countries like Saudi Arabia, the ruler holds absolute power, demonstrating a contrast to the U.S. where Congress and the President both hold substantial but distinct powers.