People and Authority (the Authority/Authorities)

[White Hat]

Someone asked me to translate this phrase into English. It implies "people and those in charge of the country (the government)". Do I say "People and Authority", "People and the Authority", or "People and the Authorities"? Thank you in advance.

 

[Roman55]

I am not a teacher.

I am no authority on the matter, but I would say, 'authorities'.

 

[White Hat]

It's kinda hard for me to explain what exactly I'm talking about, as the two languages are really different. In Russian, there is a word "vlast'". It means "power, authority". In my phrase, they mean those running the country. Would it be a serious mistake to say "People and Authority (in the singular)"?

 

[bhaisahab]

I think that "People and Authority" would be fine, Bennevis.

 

[Roman55]

I am not a teacher.

'Authority', with zero article, is usually understood to be an attribute. It's the power to make decisions etc…

It wouldn't be a serious mistake to use it, but 'People and Authority' doesn't evoke government, to me. It feels more like an abstract concept.