Question

Distinguishing power and authority: Some scholars have made a distinction between "power," the ability of a state to coerce its subjects into some required behavior, and "authority," the ability of a state to persuade its subjects to do its bidding voluntarily by convincing them that it is proper, right, or natural to do so. What examples of power and authority can you find in these documents? How were they related? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each, from the viewpoint of ambitious rulers?

Answer 1

The correct answer to this open question is the following.

Although you forgot to include the document to have the complete reference, we can comment on the following general terms.

Power and authority are related in that both terms are used in politics and sometimes people use them as if they were the same but they are not. Yo as a ruler can have power but your authority can be questioned. Or sometimes, you can have authority but no such as a big power.

Ambitious rulers are greedy and they want more power to control, influence, and oppress people. They are in politics for the money. They are corrupt.

On the other hand, there are political leaders who really want to serve and improve the conditions of the citizens.

The key difference is that true politicians set the example. They have moral conduct and ethics. And they show it not only speak of it. In the case of ambitious and greedy politicians, they only speak and promise, but never deliver.