Government and Politics Notes

Definition by Harold Lasswell: Politics is defined as "who gets what, when, and how".

Power Definition by Max Weber: Power is defined as the ability to exercise one’s will over others.
Power is a central aspect of any political system.
Exercising Power: Power is exercised by those who can overcome the resistance of others and control their behavior.

Force: Illegitimate power not accepted as just. This includes:
- Actual or threatened coercion to impose will (e.g., political dissidents being imprisoned).
Influence: Power exercised through persuasion. Common sources include the mass media, education, and religion.
Authority: Legitimate power recognized as just.
- Institutionalized power accepted by those over whom it is exercised.
- Commonly associated with elected positions (e.g., MPs, judges) or recognized leaders (e.g., Sultans).

Traditional Authority: Legitimacy derived from customs and long-standing practices (e.g., monarchs).
Rational-Legal Authority: Legitimacy granted by laws and regulations (e.g., constitutional authority).
Charismatic Authority: Legitimacy derived from an individual's exceptional personal qualities and appeal (e.g., influential political figures).

C. Wright Mills (1956): Describes a Power Elite as a small group of military, industrial, and government leaders coordinating their interests.
The power elite shape government policies and control the fate of the country.

Government: An organizational structure that directs and coordinates human activities in a given territory.
Revolution: Armed resistance is aimed at overthrowing a government when state oppression occurs (e.g., Syrian civil war).

Malaysia's Government Structure:
- Constitutional Monarchy: The monarchy is largely ceremonial; real power lies with political leaders.
- Democracy: Power derives from the people; Malaysia practices representative democracy.

Elections are crucial for legitimizing the government and allowing citizens to influence leadership and policy.
Malaysia has a bicameral parliament with the House of Representatives and Senate:
- Senate: Composed of appointed members and state representatives.
- House of Representatives: Composed entirely of elected representatives.

Core Concept 1: Power is the ability to exercise will over others with three basic sources: force, influence, and authority.
Core Concept 2: The power elite, comprising military, industrial, and government leaders, collaboratively work to maintain their interests.
Core Concept 3: Malaysia is a constitutional monarchy with a figurehead king and real power resting with elected officials.
Core Concept 4: Malaysia observes representative democracy, allowing voters to elect representatives.
Core Concept 5: Malaysia practices parliamentary democracy where the executive branch depends on legislative majority for existence.

Power Sources: Force (coercive), influence (persuasive), authority (legitimate).
Power Elite: A small group controlling significant national interests.
Government Structure: Monarchic and democratic elements in Malaysia's political landscape.