Final answer:
Government holds unique authoritative power due to its legitimate, socially recognized right to enforce rules within a geographic boundary, derived from sovereignty and legitimacy with roots in democratic principles or other forms of social contract. This encompasses the power to make laws, compel behavior, and protect civil rights and liberties.
Step-by-step explanation:
The legitimate authority that governments have, which other human institutions lack, is notably their legal and rightful power to use coercive force to compel behavior within a defined geographic area. This authority often stems from the principles of legitimacy and sovereignty, which imply that the rule is recognized and accepted by the people. For example, in democratic systems like the United States, legitimacy is derived from the people through the process of elections and the social contract - as long as those in power abide by the will of the people and uphold the constitution. Conversely, in an absolute monarchy such as Saudi Arabia, authority is derived from hereditary succession, and the legitimization of such power is framed through a different cultural and legal lens.
Legitimacy can also arise from the belief in the rule of law and the structures of government itself, which M. Weber referred to as rational-legal legitimacy. Ultimately, it is the recognition of government institutions as the legitimate holders of authority to make and enforce laws that sets them apart from other organizations or bodies.
Governmental authority is exercised within certain jurisdictional boundaries and is limited by laws and the social contract. Governments must protect civil liberties and civil rights while also ensuring the rule is lawful and within the bounds of their roles as articulated in the nation's founding documents or legal frameworks.