Max Weber, a influential political theorist, identified three types of legitimate authority in his seminal work Politics as a Vocation. These are traditional authority, charismatic authority, and legal-rational authority. Traditional authority is based on longstanding customs and practices, charismatic authority is based on the personal qualities of the leader, and legal-rational authority is based on established laws and rules. Weber argued that each type of authority has its own strengths and weaknesses. Traditional authority can provide stability and continuity, but can also perpetuate outdated practices. Charismatic authority can inspire followers and drive change, but can also create instability and rely on the influence of a single individual. Legal-rational authority is based on rational legal frameworks that apply equally to all citizens, providing predictability and fairness, but can also become bureaucratic and impersonal. Understanding these three types of legitimate authority can help us analyze political systems and leaders, and recognize the complexities of power and governance in society. They continue to be relevant concepts in the field of political science and are key to understanding the dynamics of authority and leadership.