How is "imperium" understood in the context of Cicero's analysis of power?

In Cicero's analysis of power, "imperium" is understood primarily as "authority." This term encompasses not only the right to command or govern but also implies the legitimacy and recognition that come with such power. Authority involves the moral and social obligations that accompany leadership, emphasizing the responsibility of those in power to act in the best interests of their governed. In Cicero's works, he often discusses the importance of just leadership and how authority should be exercised wisely and ethically. Therefore, identifying "imperium" as "authority" captures the broader implications of power that Cicero is concerned with, particularly regarding governance and moral responsibility.

While the other options—rule, administration, and control—can relate to aspects of power, they do not fully encompass the nuanced idea of legitimacy and ethical stewardship that "authority" conveys in Cicero's context.