Political Systems Flashcards
What are the functions of Political Systems?
To make decisions for the greater group
To keep social order
Break down the Political Organisms of Bands and Tribes
Informal Leadership (influence based)
People are more so equal, no inequality via wealth of status, so to pick leadership they pick the most influential. (If hunting, they’d pick the mos t experienced hunter as leader)
Break down the political organisms of Chiefdoms and States
Formal Leadership (Authority)
Rule from wealth/power
What is informal social control, example?
The individuals police their own actions through either fear of ridicule or fear of the supernatural
(Perhaps due to religious beliefs or just how you were born)
What is Formal Social Control, and what are the two definitions of it?
Sanctions are imposed by a third party within the group
1)Self-Help Systems
2)Court Systems
What are Self-Help Systems?
Disputes are either mediated by the individuals, or just individual has the authority to demand retribution (in a fair and just manner)
Resolved among ourselves essentially
What are Court Systems?
Authority resides with the group not the individual
what are Incipient Courts?
Members of the group decide how the conflict should be resolved and use their influence to enforce the sanction.
Courts of Mediation
When is this used?
A neutral third party is chosen by both sides to mediate the dispute
Mediator is usually someone respected in the community
Both sides have chosen the mediator, they usually abide by the decision of the mediator.
Usually used during a Divorce.
What are Courts of Adjudication?
A third party is given the power to determine guilt or innocence and has the authority to enforce the ruling
The adjudicator can have authority as mandated by the state and/or by religious beliefs
What are Courts of Regulation?
These courts only exist in State organized societies
They provide social control for societies with people from various cultures/social classes
They are enforced and interpreted by law specialists
What are legal systems defined/what are it’s characteristics?
It must have Legal Authority
Universal application
Legal rights and duties
Sanctions
What are additional forms of Social control?
Rewards, Instead of just disciplining people for doing bad things, it can encourage good by rewarding good
