This essay focuses on Power vs Authority in Early Empires.
This chapter has argued that although each empire grew differently, had different problems, all empires in the early modern period grew stronger with greater political integrations, more state-building than ever before.

 Power vs Authority in Early Empires

This chapter has argued that although each empire grew differently, had different problems, all empires in the early modern period grew stronger with greater political integrations, more state-building than ever before.  Read primary documents, 13.1 – 13. Pages 581 – 589, and reflect on how each accomplished this.  Strayer noted that scholars today debate the difference between “power,”

the ability to coerce its subjects into some required behavior, and “authority,” the authority of the state to convince its subjects to do its bidding voluntarily, suggesting it is proper, right, or natural to do so.  What do think of this idea and which was most effective?  What examples of each approach did you find in the primary documents and/or chapter readings? How do you view the relationship between power and authority?  Can you foresee any long term historical consequences as a result of these approaches to governing?  Please write an initial response of approximately 250 to 300 words, and then respond to a classmate’s post. Explaining how they added to your understanding/clarity of the material or, on the other hand, how your views may differ.