Final answer:
Persons who exercise illegitimate power typically do so via non-democratic means, such as force or deception. Examples include an occupying army that holds power through military force without the consent of the local populace, and a robber who uses violence or threat thereof. Conversely, a company president and a governor, assuming they act lawfully, typically hold legitimate power. The correct option will be option (a) and (C).
Step-by-step explanation:
The question of who exercises illegitimate power largely depends on the context and the means by which they have come to hold power. In a democracy, legitimate power is typically held by individuals or institutions that have been elected or appointed in a manner consistent with the country's laws and political processes. Illegitimate power, by contrast, is held by those who acquire or maintain authority through non-democratic means, such as force, coercion, or deception.
Examples of persons who might be considered to exercise illegitimate power could include:
- An occupying army, which might hold power in a territory through military force without the consent of the local population.
- A robber, who uses violence or the threat of violence to take what is not rightfully theirs.
A company president is typically seen as exerting legitimate authority within the lawful context of corporate governance, assuming they are acting within the boundaries of the law and company policy. Similarly, a governor exercises legitimate power if they have been lawfully elected or appointed to their position according to the political processes of their jurisdiction. However, even a governor can potentially exercise illegitimate power if they use their position in ways that are unlawful or undemocratic.
When considering the legitimacy of power, it is essential to consider not only the current status of a leader or government but also how they reached their position. Dictatorships and authoritarian regimes often maintain power through means that can be viewed as illegitimate, such as rigged elections, repression, or the absence of a free and fair political process.