Power has been described as the fuel of politics.

• It relates to the ability to make, or to influence the making of, those binding decisions which are the essence of politics

Struggle for power: what characterizes this process?

Elections, coup d’etat, the voting process, etc.

Distribution of power: how fair? how equal? how effective? Hierarchical vs. collective

Balance of power: Constitutionalism vs. Autocratic power, etc.

Types of Power

Political Power: control of, or influence on, the state, ability to make, or influence, political decisions

Economic Power: control of economic assets

Military Power: ability to wage war - or to compel others through intimidation or deterrence

5 Principal Forms of Power

Force – ability to detain and harm people and damage or confiscate their property to compel them to obey your orders

Persuasion – ability to convince people to do what they otherwise would not have done by invoking their own interests and common sense

Authority – legitimate (just and lawful) power to control and direct people’s activities

Coercion – controlling people by means of threatening use of force

Manipulation – controlling people without threats, by persuading them about the legitimacy of the existing power relationships, or by offering them benefits

3 Kinds of Authority

TRADITIONAL AUTHORITY – based on tradition, established beliefs or values (example: rule of dynasties, power of the church) Hereditary Monarchy, the ruler exercises authority that has been inherited from a parent or relative.

Common in ancient societies and reinforced by religion as well (monarchs perceived to be gods). Common form of gov’t in much of European history. (Divine Right of Kings)

LEGAL-RATIONAL (Legal AUTHORITY)

Over the last 800 years many societies have transitioned to legal authority. Started in 1215 CE when King John of England was forced to sign the MAGNA CARTA (Charter of Liberties), which limited the King’s power.

For the first time in England, no one, not even the king was above the law.

Based on formal arrangements (rules, laws, constitutions). The main type practiced in contemporary politics, esp. Democracies.

AUTOCRATIC AUTHORITY

Obtained by the use of force. Coup d’etat. The gov’t of Vladimir Lenin Communist Russia for example, Ideological and /or religious beliefs often form the basis of an autocrats power, with further support from elite groups and a strong military. Rulers with autocratic authority may draft and adopt constitutions, but these are only a pretence of legal authority because such laws are imposed from above, rather than representing a contract between the governed and the governing, they are not legitimate. Even though based on force, autocratic power may receive widespread support from the people.