A test of statements generated from Dahrendorf's theory of authority relations and dichotomous class conflict casts grave doubts on the explanatory value of that formulation. Measuring class conflict in terms of nonacquiescence to, and perceived illegitimacy of, the authority structure, the conflict uncovered does not follow the predicted direction. Contrary to expectation, it is in fact more intense within the “dominant” class than between this and the “subjected” class. The finding suggests that the possession of authority is more likely to be a “bone of contention” among those already exercising superordinate functions than between these as a group and those completely excluded from positions of authority. All this highlights the continuous nature of authority and implies either a theory of continuous stratification or an elite theory of classes of the sort previously advanced by such scholars as Mosca, Pareto, and Michels.