By whom did Max Weber believe power is held?

Answer 1

Max Weber's ideas on what group holds power in a government are those leaders or parties that have certain characteristics. He contends that there are three ways in which any authority becomes or retains its power and authority. Where Aristotle was concerned about numbers and social positions of rulers and the character of their authority, Max Weber speaks about situations where holders of power are accepted as legitimate.Each of these can identify who holds power and also all three may be possible.

* A group can hold power based on tradition. Thus the British king by tradition held power in Great Britain for hundreds of years;

* Leaders with a connection to the citizens of a nation can hold power. This is accomplished by personal qualities. Thus, for example, Mussolini held power in part based on his charisma; and

* By legal means as identified in a governing document such as a constitution. Holders of power and authority do so on a legal basis based on the "rules" that most citizens believe are legal and correct.

Answer 2

Max Weber believed that power is held by those who have the ability to influence others, whether through coercion, authority, or charisma. He identified three types of legitimate authority: traditional, legal-rational, and charismatic.

Answer 3

Weber believed that the government's power is provided by the bureaucrats, because their operation continues (in some form) despite political changes.