Eleanor Finch
Constituted authority refers to the power given to someone to act on behalf of another person or organisation. This power can be given through a legal agreement or by the actions of the person in charge. There are four basic types of constituted authority: organisational, traditional, religious, and governmental. These authorities are in place to maintain peace and order, encourage unity, and promote cultural preservation. For example, in Nigeria, a democratic form of constituted authority is practiced, where citizens elect their leaders and hold them accountable for their actions. Other types of constituted authority include bureaucratic and charismatic authority, which is often associated with religious leadership.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Elected or appointed | President, governors, senators, state assembly members |
| Power lies with the people | Leaders administer resources and leadership to everyone, regardless of who they voted for |
| Respect | Leaders are respected and mandated to treat everyone equally |
| Re-election or re-appointment | Leaders can be re-elected or re-appointed |
| Religious | Religious leaders have specific duties and are treated with high regard |
| Bureaucratic | Officers are appointed by the civil service commission and follow a defined hierarchy |
| Charismatic | Authority figures derive their power from God-given qualities and heroism |
| Traditional | Leaders derive their power from customs and traditions |
| Legal/Rational-Legal/Governmental | Authority figures derive their power from fundamental laws, principles, rules, and regulations |
| Actual | Given intentionally by a principal to an agent |
| Apparent | Believed by others to exist |
| Implied | Given through actions or conduct |
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What You'll Learn
Government constituted authority
The president or head of state is an example of government constituted authority. They are typically elected by the citizens and hold the highest representative position in the country. The president or head of state may also appoint other leaders to assist in implementing the constitution and governing the nation.
Another example is governors or leaders of states or provinces. They are often elected by the people within their respective jurisdictions and are responsible for administering leadership and resources to their constituents. Similarly, senators and members of legislative assemblies are also considered government constituted authorities, as they are elected by the people to represent their interests and make laws that govern the society.
In summary, government constituted authority refers to the legitimate power granted to individuals or groups by a government or legal entity to act on its behalf. This form of authority is a fundamental aspect of modern societies and plays a crucial role in maintaining order, implementing policies, and serving the interests of the citizens.
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Religious constituted authority
The behaviour of these religious leaders is often scrutinised, and they are expected to uphold the values and principles of their religion. In many religions, including Christianity and Islam, respect for constituted authority is encouraged. For example, in the Bible and the Quran, followers are instructed to respect God and His appointed leaders. If religious leaders abuse their power or deviate from the teachings of their religion, they may face consequences, such as losing their positions or facing divine punishment.
The concept of religious liberty, or freedom of religion, is a fundamental right protected by the constitutions of many countries, including the United States. The First Amendment to the US Constitution, enacted in 1791, guarantees religious liberty by forbidding the government from establishing a religion or preventing the free exercise of faith. This separation of church and state ensures that individuals can choose and practice their faith without interference from the government.
In some cases, religious constituted authority can overlap with other forms of authority, such as traditional or organisational authority. For instance, in traditional communities, religious leaders may also play a role in maintaining social order and resolving disputes. Similarly, religious organisations may have their own internal power structures and leadership hierarchies, which grant certain individuals authority within the context of that organisation.
It is important to note that while religious constituted authority can be a powerful force for good, promoting discipline and moral values within a community, it is not without its challenges. Critics may argue that religious authority can be misused or abused, leading to discrimination or the suppression of individual freedoms. Balancing respect for religious authority with the protection of human rights and liberties is a complex issue that societies and governments continue to navigate.
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Charismatic authority
The concept of charismatic authority is not limited solely to religious contexts. In secular societies, charismatic authority can manifest in leaders who possess exceptional qualities or skills that inspire loyalty and devotion in their followers. These individuals may not necessarily hold formal positions of power, but their influence over others can be significant. They may lead social movements, inspire cultural shifts, or guide their followers through their charismatic presence and ability to connect with people on an emotional level.
While charismatic authority can have positive outcomes, such as inspiring social change or providing spiritual guidance, it is important to recognize the potential for abuse of power. Charismatic leaders may exploit their followers' trust and devotion for personal gain or maintain their position through fear of divine retribution. Therefore, it is essential to approach charismatic authority with a critical eye, ensuring that the power bestowed upon these leaders is used responsibly and for the benefit of the community they serve.
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Traditional constituted authority
In traditional constituted authority, leaders are responsible for maintaining order and peace within their communities, preserving their traditions, and serving as chief priests during traditional ceremonies. They also act as intermediaries between the government and their local communities, helping to educate their people and foster cooperation between traditional societies and the state.
For instance, in Nigeria, traditional constituted authorities include the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba of Benin, and Emir of Kano. They play a crucial role in maintaining social harmony within their communities and ensuring that government services are accessible to their people.
However, traditional constituted authority can also present challenges. Power can be easily abused by leaders, and due to the inherited nature of their authority, it may be difficult to remove them from their positions. This can lead to long-term negative impacts on the community if the leader in question is unfit or unwilling to serve the interests of their people.
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Bureaucratic constituted authority
The German sociologist Max Weber is regarded as the foremost theorist of bureaucracy. He argued that bureaucracy is the most efficient and rational way to organize human activity, emphasizing the importance of systematic processes and organized hierarchies to maintain order, maximize efficiency, and eliminate favoritism. Weber also acknowledged the potential drawbacks of bureaucracy, suggesting that it could threaten individual freedom and lead to a "polar night of icy darkness," where individuals are trapped in an impersonal system of rule-based, rational control.
Bureaucratic authority is characterized by clear lines of command and control, with responsibility delegated from the top down. It relies on rules and procedures to ensure consistency and fairness, treating everyone equally. However, this emphasis on procedural correctness can sometimes hinder innovation and delay action due to cumbersome processes and "red tape."
Bureaucratic structures are often criticized for being backward-looking, focusing on implementing procedures that worked in the past rather than embracing forward-looking changes. Over time, a rigid bureaucracy can reduce operational efficiency, especially when compared to more agile organizations without extensive bureaucracies.
While bureaucratic constituted authority aims to provide stability and fairness, it is important to balance it with autonomy and flexibility to avoid becoming a hindrance to progress and individual freedom.
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Frequently asked questions
There are four primary types of constituted authority: traditional, charismatic, organisational, and bureaucratic authority.
Traditional authority is when leaders derive their power from customs and traditions. This type of authority is often seen in communities where leadership is inherited, such as in some traditional communities in Nigeria.
Bureaucratic authority is practised in government organisations like the civil service. Officers are appointed through a structured system, and it involves following many official rules.
Charismatic authority is based on the idea that leaders derive their power from God-given qualities or heroism. Religious leaders like imams, pastors, bishops, and popes are examples of charismatic authority figures.
Organisational authority refers to leaders established and vested with power to perform leadership or administrative roles in society. Examples include social gatherings, business leaders, and political party leaders.
