Concept:Political authority is the legal power given to those who hold public offices and make decisions for the people.Explanation:Political authority is exercised by individuals who occupy political positions such as the president and legislators.These officeholders together form the government.The government is the body that makes and enforces laws on behalf of the state.Therefore, political authority is not vested in the state itself, the judiciary, or the armed forces, but in the government.Answer:C. government