What does it mean to respect authority?

Question

I'm thinking mainly of the President (not necessarily G. Bush), a judge, a police officer and so forth. A good response would state what you believe is the definition of "authority" and from where it gets its legitimacy.

Answer 1

RESPECT ...................like respecting a wild animal or ........a GUN

Answer 2

It means to treat people in positions of authority with an attitude of respect and to comply with their directives. This does not mean that the person actually has to have authority over you (I would treat a Senator from a state other than my own with the same respect that I would treat my own Senators). And it does not mean that you can't question authority - but do it with a respectful tone and attitude.

Authority comes from many places - your parents have authority over you when you are a minor. Your teachers have authority over you in the classroom, your boss has authority over you at your place of employment. Elected officials have authority to lead, to make laws based on the fact that the voters selected them. The Police have authority to keep the peace...it is all derived though the structure of our society and its laws and social norms.

Kind of general, but it was the best I could do.

Answer 3

Authority would also be your boss, your parents if you still live under their roof, anyone who is supposed to be superior to you. To respect authority is to obey and do what you are told. To obey laws or rules put down by a superior body.