A symbol of authority must involve respect (7)
I believe the answer is:
sceptre
'a symbol of authority' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'involve respect' is the wordplay.
'involve' is an anagram indicator.
'respect' with letters rearranged gives 'SCEPTRE'.
'must' is the link.
I am not very happy about this link. It may belong to another bit of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for sceptre that I've seen before include "Royal staff (paired with 2 down)" , "Ruler's staff" , "Staff carried by monarch" , "Rod of office" , "Monarch's ceremonial staff" .)