Power to the People

[Aiwendil]

What about the Kings of the Eldar? Were their leaders leaders before they awoke?

Well, the first three Kings of the Eldar (Ingwe, Finwe, and Elwe) were the ambassadors that visited Aman; it seems likely, to me at least, that their rule was thus based on a Valarin right. It is perhaps notable that these three became the kings rather than 'Imin', 'Tata', and 'Enel' (though we know nothing about the fates of those first Elves).

In any case, once the kingships of the Vanyar, Noldor, and Teleri were set up in Aman, the Valar clearly 'recognized' these rulers as legitimate.

Note also (though it may be obvious) that Men - or at least the Edain - had no kings in the first age; their rulers were first 'chieftains' and then, when taken on as subjects by the Elves, 'lords'. So Elros is the first rightful king among Men.