What the differences between power and authority?

We may believe in these modern times that there is little difference between these two Words. Authority is the power to determine, adjudicate or settle issues or disputes and has the right to command. Parliament is an authority, local councils are authorities, the police are authorities and yet all these authorities have power. We believe the difference is that such Authorities are elected by Democratic means. Power may be self made or assumed and as such assumes possession and control over others through means other than democratic, or even peaceful.

It may be a psychological experience, in a free society we elect authorities to dispense power on our behalf. We do not elect power to dictate authority over our citizens.

We need to ensure that Power and Authority are used in equal acceptable levels to control our environment and that neither application is seen as unjust or even evil