Authority vs. Ruler — What's the Difference?

In the fields of sociology and political science, authority is the legitimate power that a person or a group of persons possess and practice over other people. In a civil state, authority is made formal by way of a judicial branch and an executive branch of government.In the exercise of governance, the terms authority and power are inaccurate synonyms.

A ruler, sometimes called a rule or line gauge, is a device used in geometry and technical drawing, as well as the engineering and construction industries, to measure distances or draw straight lines.

The power to enforce laws, exact obedience, command, determine, or judge.

One, such as a monarch or dictator, that rules or governs.

One that is invested with this power, especially a government or body of government officials

A straightedged strip, as of wood or metal, for drawing straight lines and measuring lengths. Also called rule.

Power assigned to another; authorization

A (usually rigid), flat, rectangular measuring or drawing device with graduations in units of measurement; a straightedge with markings.

A public agency or corporation with administrative powers in a specified field

A person who rules or governs; someone or something that exercises dominion or controlling power over others.

An accepted source of expert information or advice

(transitive) To beat with a ruler (as a traditional school punishment).

A quotation or citation from such a source

One who rules; one who exercises sway or authority; a governor.

Justification; grounds

Measuring stick consisting of a strip of wood or metal or plastic with a straight edge that is used for drawing straight lines and measuring lengths

A conclusive statement or decision that may be taken as a guide or precedent.

A person who rules or commands;

Power to influence or persuade resulting from knowledge or experience

Confidence derived from experience or practice; firm self-assurance

(uncountable) Power or right to make or enforce rules or give orders; or a position having such power or right.

(plural) Persons, regarded collectively, who occupy official positions of power; police or law enforcement.

(countable) A reliable, definitive source of information on a subject.

(uncountable) Status as a trustworthy source of information, reputation for mastery or expertise; or claim to such status or reputation.

Official permission; authorisation to act in some capacity on behalf of a ruling entity.

(countable) A government-owned agency that runs a revenue-generating activity for public benefit.

Legal or rightful power; a right to command or to act; power exercised buy a person in virtue of his office or trust; dominion; jurisdiction; authorization; as, the authority of a prince over subjects, and of parents over children; the authority of a court.

Government; the persons or the body exercising power or command; as, the local authorities of the States; the military authorities.

The power derived from opinion, respect, or esteem; influence of character, office, or station, or mental or moral superiority, and the like; claim to be believed or obeyed; as, an historian of no authority; a magistrate of great authority.

That which, or one who, is claimed or appealed to in support of opinions, actions, measures, etc.

The power or right to give orders or make decisions;

(usually plural) persons who exercise (administrative) control over others;

An expert whose views are taken as definitive;

Freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities;

An administrative unit of government;

Official permission or approval;

An authoritative written work;