politics, power, & authority

Question 1

politics

Answer 1

social institution by which power is acquired and exercised by some people and groups

Question 2

government

Answer 2

formal organization that has legal and political authority to regulate relationships among members of society, and between societies outside its borders

Question 3

state

Answer 3

political entity that possesses a legitimate monopoly over the use of force within its territory to achieve its goals

Question 4

political sociology

Answer 4

power is legitimate if recognized by groups under control; authority is power people accept as legitimate; when non-authorities seek to change power structures, they engage in social movements

Question 5

Traditional authority

Answer 5

kings, queens, emperors, religious dignitaries; based on long standing custom, not exceptional qualities

Question 6

charismatic authority

Answer 6

politicians, soldiers, entertainers; examples: Napoleon, Cesar Chavez, Mother Teresa

Question 7

rational-legal authority

Answer 7

elected officials; modern British parliament, U.S. presidency

Question 8

political setting

Answer 8

any setting in which force is or can be used; most authorities rarely use force, order achieved with tactics- “normal politics”

Question 9

state theories

Answer 9

state is the ultimate authority, however, individuals in society still have some control over the state

Question 10

Functionalist perspective of purpose of government

Answer 10

maintain law and order; plan and direct society; meet social needs, handle international relations

Question 11

Pluralist theory (Domhoff)

Answer 11

we live in heterogenous society with many competing interests and power sources; no one group can control the state; politics must entail negotiation and compromise; pluralist society guarantees democracy
Does not acknowledge serious disparities in wealth and power

Question 12

Elite theory (Mills)

Answer 12

elites are small groups that lead social institutions; their decisions profoundly affect lives of all others in society; can make decisions without regard for elections/public opinion; elites are connected through social bonds
Criticism: elections are important and do affect change in political structure, can be mobilization of non-elites through election victories