Authority and Legitimacy

Authority refers to the recognized power of individuals or institutions to make decisions and enforce rules. Legitimacy, on the other hand, is the justification for that authority; it's the belief that this power is rightful or acceptable. In the context of political obligation, citizens feel morally or legally bound to obey laws when they perceive the government as legitimate. Thus, a government holds authority when it can enforce laws, but it maintains legitimacy when people trust and accept its right to rule, fostering a stable and cooperative society.