Power: The capacity of political actors to exert influence, control, or authority over other actors. Ability to influence outcomes within a system.
Legitimacy: The perception that an act, actor, group, or institution is justified in its exercise of power. Transforms power into authority.
Authority: Degree to which the use of power by particular actors is considered rightful or legitimate.
Participation: Range of activities through which people develop and express opinions on social, political, economic, or organizational matters.
Popular Sovereignty: The principle that the authority of a government is created and sustained by the consent of its people, typically through elected representatives.
Parliamentary Sovereignty: The principle that the legislative body of a country has supreme legal authority to make or amend laws without interference.
Federalism: A system where power is divided between a central government and subnational governments that administer local jurisdictions.
Responsible Government: Expectation that governments must be accountable to parliaments and expose decisions to public scrutiny.
Separation of Powers: Distribution of governing power among three branches of government, each independent and able to block the other to prevent tyranny.
Political Interests: Goals, concerns, or priorities that individuals, groups or organizations seek to advance or protect.
Political Perspectives: A viewpoint or approach to understanding political issues, encompassing an individual's or group’s beliefs, values, ideologies, and biases.
Political Significance: Importance, impact, or relevance of a political event or actor in the context of a society, governance, or political system.
Political Stability/Change: The extent to which political outcomes differ over time due to the actions of political actors.
Understanding Politics
Definition of Politics: Politics involves seeking power to influence others for specific purposes or outcomes. The schoolyard bully illustrates this, manipulating others to control access to resources.
In politics, states act as political actors seeking power to influence other states and groups to meet national interests.
Institutions of Global Governance (IGG)
Example: The UN acts to promote global peace and stability.
Transnational Corporations (TNCs): Entities like Apple seek to influence states (e.g., Ireland) to implement policies that enhance corporate profit goals.
Importance of Government
Functions of Government:
Keeping people safe: Making and enforcing laws.
Providing access to goods/services: Ensuring availability of essential services.
Improving living standards: Economic management and protection of rights.
Political Actors: Entities influencing governance, policy-making, and public opinion, including states, parliament members, media, NGOs, and corporations.
Political Legitimacy
Types of Legitimacy:
Traditional: Based on long-standing customs and traditions.
Charismatic: Originating from personal qualities of leaders.
Legal-Rational: Rooted in established laws and procedures.
Sources: Democratic processes, performance legitimacy, ideological legitimacy, and international recognition.
Political Actor Capacity Continuum
Low Capacity: Individuals such as low-income citizens.
Moderate Capacity: Political party members, NGOs, and local business representatives.
High Capacity: CEOs, government officials, and influential political leaders.
Political System Structure
Liberal Democracies: Blend of liberalism (protecting individuals from excess power) and democracy (people's rule).
Federalism: Power divided between national and regional governments; Australia exemplifies federal governance.
Example of Federalism During COVID-19: Federal government set national guidelines, while states established their own rules regarding restrictions.
Role of Leadership in Politics
Legitimacy and Authority: Effective leadership derives legitimacy from authority.
Political Legitimacy: Accepted right of a government to rule, rooted in democratic election or historical precedent.
Problems of Legitimacy: Can stem from policy failures or shifting public opinion.
Media and Its Role
Media Types: Traditional (print/broadcast) and Digital (online platforms).
Function: The media serves as a significant political actor, shaping public discourse and influencing government actions by amplifying issues.
Examples of Influence: Coverage of immigration policies affecting public perceptions and government responses.
Non-Government Organizations (NGOs)
Definition: Non-profits that advocate for social issues independent of government influence.
Characteristics: Funded by donations, often relying on advocacy and public awareness campaigns.
Examples: Amnesty International, local community groups.
Social Movements
Characteristics: Groups advocating for social or political changes through organized actions.Prominent forms include protests, campaigns, and online drives for causes like climate change (e.g., School Strike 4 Climate).
Australian Political Actors
Government Leaders: The Prime Minister and Ministers, comprising powers essential to shaping domestic and foreign policy.
Corporate Influence: Businesses like Gina Rinehart's have significant political power through economic contributions and policy advocacy thereby affecting legislation.
Political Significance and Change
Political actors like social movements and NGOs contribute to political change by applying pressure on governments leading to reforms.
Examples of contested political issues can include climate change legislation, where actors like NGOs, government, and corporate interests compete for influence.
Conclusion and Summary Points
Politics involves a complex interplay between power, legitimacy, and participation influencing public policies and governance.
Key actors include national governments, corporations, NGOs, and social movements, all vying for influence and shaping democratic processes in Australia.
Understanding the dynamics of these actors and their legitimacy is fundamental to grasping contemporary political challenges and opportunities within the Australian context.