Weber

In Max Weber's Basic Concepts of Sociology, he attempts to define the important terms within the field. Weber defined sociology as a, "science which attempts to understand social action through a causal explanation of its course and effects". Basically, sociology as a study of putting oneself in another's shoes to see their perspective. Along these lines, the "action" associated with human behavior has a subjective meaning. Meaning that the actions of a certain individual must be studied subjectively under the same meaning that the individual links it to those actions.

In Weber's article on Class, Status, and Party, he outlines three types of social structures: economic, social, and political. He contends that the pursuit of social power is essentially an attempt to acquire social honor, but mentions that it not always happens. In his economic section he refers to "Class", specifically propertied vs. laborers while "status" was the main focus in the Social chapter, which Weber tied to class, with exceptions in ethnic and religious groups. Finally in the political chapter, "parties" were explained to be often based on status and class distinctions. Weber claims that a person's class situation will undoubtedly determine their social status and since social status is tied to lifestyle, which shapes most people's ideals and convictions the transition from status to an affiliation to a certain political party is a natural progression. And this progression is what Weber thinks shapes the society as a whole.

In his chapter on the Types of Legitimate Domination, Weber lists three types of political rule. 1) That rationally based authority relies on belief in rules and the obeying of people in elevated positions and authority. 2) That tradition based authority rests on a how it's been done before mentality while obeying individuals of authority. Finally, 3), is that charismatic authority rests on the exceptional qualities of a specific person. In each type, the "authority" specifies both who has it and what it covers.

The whole concept of authority represents a continuum of social relationships. It's present to some degree within all realms governed, but it must be said that it exists whenever there is any degree of volunariness on the side of the subject. But I don't think just having power, like when a bank exercises monopolistic control, is enough to call it "authority"!