Which term refers to the right or power to make decisions affecting individuals and groups?

• A. Responsibilities
• B. Authority
• C. Accountability
• D. Jurisdiction

Answer: (B)

Authority is the right or power granted to individuals or organizations to make decisions and direct the actions of others. In law enforcement and governance, this power comes from laws, policies, and the chain of command, and it can be delegated but is bounded by rules. This differs from responsibilities, which are the duties you must perform; accountability, which is being answerable for actions; and jurisdiction, which defines the geographic or subject-matter scope within which you can act. So the term that captures the right to make decisions affecting individuals and groups is authority.