Max Weber's idea of legitimacy occupies a central place in his theory of authority and domination (Herrschaft). He argued that power becomes stable and enduring only when those who are governed believe that the commands of rulers are rightful and deserving of obedience. Thus, legitimacy is not merely based on force or coercion but on the subjective belief of people that authority is valid. This distinction enables Weber to explain why political and social orders persist even when coercive power alone is insufficient. Weber distinguished authority from mere power. Power refers to the ability to impose one's will despite resistance, whereas authority is power accepted as legitimate. Legitimacy transforms obedience from external compulsion into voluntary compliance. According to Weber, every stable social order requires a belief system that justifies the exercise of authority. Weber classified legitimate authority into three ideal types: traditional, charismatic, and legal-rational authority. Traditional authority derives legitimacy from