Authority - SS1 Government Past Questions and Answers - page 1

The right and ability of the government to exercise power and make binding decisions

Constitution, laws, elections, appointments, and tradition

Both centralized and distributed

Exercise of authority in government

 Adherence to the rule of law, transparency, accountability, and responsiveness to the needs and demands of the people

Authority in government refers to the right and ability of the government to exercise power and make decisions that are binding on its citizens and institutions.

The sources of authority in government are Constitution (e.g. written document that outlines the principles and powers of government), laws (e.g. legislative acts that regulate the behavior of citizens and institutions), elections (e.g. democratic process for selecting representatives and leaders), appointments (e.g. selection of officials to public office), and tradition (e.g. customs and practices that have been established over time).