The correct answer is Option C) Authority is power that is recognized as legitimate.
Authority, by defination refers to the power given to a certain person, people or an organization to influence another group of people or organizations.
Examples of authority can include the power of the government that is given to it, or the power of a business person who has the authority to lay off people as it seems best for the business.
Authority is NOT power associated with Violence, that can be better described as tyranny.