The sources of political authority arise from various foundations, including legitimacy, consent of the governed, tradition, and legal frameworks. Political authority is often derived from legal mandates, such as constitutions and statutory laws that grant power to institutions. Furthermore, authority can stem from cultural norms and historical contexts that define the roles of leaders and institutions. Democratic systems typically emphasize the will of the people as the source of authority, whereas authoritarian regimes may rely on coercion or ideology to maintain control and assert legitimacy.