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Public Adminstration QUESTION #9540
Question 1
Max Weber distinguished three ideal types of authority. A newly appointed district officer who commands obedience solely because citizens respect the office of DCO, rather than the individual's personal qualities or ancestral lineage, is exercising which type?
  • Traditional authority derived from historical precedent
  • Charismatic authority arising from personal magnetism
  • Rational-legal authority vested in the position itself✔️
  • Expert authority derived from technical competence
Correct Answer Explanation
Weber's rational-legal authority is attached to the position (office), not the person. Citizens comply because law and formal structure mandate it. This is distinguished from traditional authority (inherited) and charismatic authority (personal traits).