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Respect for Constituted Authority - WEEK FIVE AND SIX
Submitted by Tansi College on Sat, 11/07/2020 - 10:55am
WK5 &;6
Topic: Respect for Constituted Authority
Specific Objectives: By the end of the lesson the student should be able to
1:Define the term authority
2: Differnciate between authority and power
3: Discuss the forms of constituted authority
4: Appreciate the lesson by answering questions coming up from the
Lesson.
Meaning of authority
Authority is the right or power to give order and enforce compliance
Authority can also be define as relationship between person or force
In which one has the right to give commands to other who see it as
a duty to obey. It is power that is legitimatized and formalized
Authority confer one with the right to command others to compliance
or obedience .It’s the power derived from the the role the person plays based on
his economic , social, or political status. A good examples is the authority of
principal over his teachers which derived from his office as the principal of the
school. The major differences between power and authority lies that power lies
that power may be based on naked force or possession of means of coercion
Whereas authority is legitimized power which is always backed by the law and
People are required to comply.
Meaning of constituted authority
Constituted authority means established or appointed authority. By being
described as constituted, implies that the authority and power are recognized
And legitimate and the person or institution welding such authority does so
because of the position he occupies or action he carries out.
In democratic setting ,power and authority are invested in the people who are
regarded as sovereign .This power and authority are transferred or given to the
people representative who are chosen through the electoral processes
Respect for the constituted authority.
This implies obedience to those who are charged with the responsibility of
exercising power and authority in a state .for example showing recognition
.loyalty, honor ,obedience etc to those in authority position in community or state
.respect for Constituted Authority can also refer to giving necessary and required
dues and honor to people in position of authority such as obeying the rules and
regulation established by the constituted authorities or bodies
Forms of constituted authority.
There are basically three forms of constituted authority these are line authority
,staff authority, and team authority.
A. Line Authority: This is a form of hierarchical commands. It establishes superior
subordinate relationship authority run in a direct chains of command from top to
the bottom. For example from a principal of a school to the head of a
department, to the teachers, to the school functionaries, then to the students
.everyone is answerable to direct the superior. These help every member of the
an organization to know who they are accountable to, whom to go to with a
problem.
B.Staff Authority: This is an authority given to people to advice, contribute
opinion but not make final decision. Theirs are to supervise, Make
recommendations and receive mandate on what to do from superior.
C. Team Authority: This an authority vested on a committee to plan and organize
their own work with a minimal supervision.
Types of constituted Authority
There are types af constituted Authority
1. Charismatic Authority : an authority associated with a powerful ,
knowledgeable and respected personality . In charismatic authority the
personality exert influence .charm and love on the masses who willing obey him.
Example of charismatic personalities in Nigeria includes Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe ,
Chief Obafemi Awolowo , Alhaji Ahmadu Belo , chief S.L Akintola .Ikemba
Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu etc or government constituted
2.Political authority : This power vested on some people through the dictates
constitution or elections It is an authority exercise by a group based on the
mandate of the people , the electorate Example includes the Executive
President, Ministers , Council Chairmen , Senators, etc
3.Coercive Authority : It is an authority which has force of arms .This is power
exercise with gun and weapon of distruction . People are subject to obedient by
foce . this was the experience of Nigeria during the military regime of
Gen.Yakubu Gowon . Gen. Murtala Mohammed , Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi
Babangida and Gen. Sani Abacha.
4.Traditional Authority : Constums and tradition confer power . Those who by
custom are expected to play certain prescribed roles do so on the virtues of
traditional authority . In igbo land,only Nze has the right to crown Nze or
dethrone him .
5.Legal – Rational Authority: these are exercise by those who are guaranteed by
law . Only barrister and qualified one can appear before a high court judge in
defense of a client.
6. Positional Authority : When one occupies an office, he exercise the power
conferred on that office or position . The person’s power cannot exceed the
power prescribed to that office or position , For example a professor who is
made a vice chancellor, automatically command the power and respect of a vice
chancellor . He can only act within the limit of a vice chancellor and not as the
governor.
7.Technical Authority : This is authority or power one exercise based on his expect
knowledge or skill in his given field of practice .For examples Prof.Chinue Achabe
.Prof Wole Soyinka ,Power Mike Okpara, King Sunny Ade, etc have technical
authorities in area of literature, western wrestling and music.
Evaluation : teacher evaluates her lesson and ask the following questions
1. Define the meaning of constituted Authority?
2 what is power
3. discuss two difference between power and authority
4. list four types of constituted authority.
Assignment:
1. write out three forms of Constituted Authority
2. discuss five importance of Constituted Authority
Subject:
Civic Education
