Final answer:
Legitimate power stems from traditional legitimacy based on long-standing customs, charismatic legitimacy associated with the personal appeal of a leader, and rational-legal legitimacy which is founded on legal frameworks and procedures.
Step-by-step explanation:
Legitimate power arises from several sources in a political system. The sociologist Max Weber identifies three primary sources from where legitimate power comes:
- Traditional legitimacy: This form of legitimacy is based on well-established practices and patterns of authority that are accepted over time. Monarchies are a typical example where authority is often claimed by divine right or hereditary succession.
- Charismatic legitimacy: It is derived from the personal appeal and influence of a leader. Charismatic leaders like Nelson Mandela gain authority through their ability to inspire and connect with the people.
- Rational-legal legitimacy: This is rooted in a system of well-defined laws and procedures. In modern democracies, authority is granted to individuals through legal frameworks and the constitution, helping to ensure a stable transfer of power through elections.
The United States, for instance, exemplifies popular sovereignty and rational-legal authority, where the power of elected officials stems from the consent of the governed and the country's constitution.