Political Power, Authority, and the State

Question 1

what are central concepts in politics

Answer 1

Power and Authority

Question 2

what is rule through Ideological Control

Answer 2

Manipulation of the preferences of the people to reflect the interests of the ruler

Question 3

what is conversion of power to authority

Answer 3

Making the ruler legitimate in the eyes of the people

Question 4

What method do governments use? Ideological control or Conversion of power to authority

Answer 4

all governments use both of power and authority

Question 5

what are Weber’s Types Of Authority

Answer 5

1. Traditional Authority
2. Charismatic Authority
3. Legal-rational authority

Question 6

define traditional Authority

Answer 6

• based on traditional customs and values, like divine right of monarchs

Question 7

define Charismatic Authority

Answer 7

-based on characteristics of the ruler
-seen in authoritarian and totalitarian societies

Question 8

define legal-rational authority

Answer 8

-based on the status of the office within a constitutional structure, no need to prove anything

Question 9

is power the same as force

Answer 9

at times the use of force indicated that power has failed

Question 10

should power be used on purpose?

Answer 10

• you have to achieve the outcome you intend to have your power recognized.
  -if you didn’t mean to achieve it then it isn’t actually power

Question 11

is power a good thing

Answer 11

depends on how you use it
-if its used to productively transform then it can be good
-if it is used to harm others it can be bad

Question 12

can we eliminate power

Answer 12

power is unavoidable
- power is not something that you “have” or “have not” it is part of all relationships

Question 13

What are the three “faces” or dimensions of power?

Answer 13

the ability to make..
1. someone so something they wouldn’t otherwise do (some power)
2. prevent them from even addressing the issue (More power)
3. influencing their wants and desires (the most power)

Question 14

what are the examples for the 3 Faces of power

Answer 14

1. the whole class has an assignment, if you dont do it you will get bad marks
2. giving someone options but only choosing 20 people to choose
3. the person in control gives their choices and the people just choose from those

Question 15

Define the view of Socialism on power

Answer 15

concept of “Hegemony”
- those in power determine what is legal and illegal and also what is normal and abnormal