TS Inter 1st Year Political Science Study Material Chapter 4 Political Concepts (page5)

5. Power and Authority

Long Answer Questions

Question 1.

Define power and explain its different kinds of power.

Answer:

The concept of power has become a key concept covering all aspects of politics. If the politics is viewed as the process of resolution of the conflict, the distribution of power within a political communities determines how the conflict is to be resolved and whether the resolution is to be effectively accepted by all parties.

Definition of power:

1.H.VWiseman defined power as “the ability to get one’s wishes carried out despite resistance”.
2.Hans.J.Morgenthan defined power as “Man’s control over the minds and actions of other men”.
3.Edward A.Schills defined power as “the ability to influence the behaviour of others in accordance with one’s own ends”.
Different kinds (or) Forms of power :

1. Political Power :
   Political power refers to the influence exercised by formal and informal organs of the state. Power, in politics, is always political power, power of the state, power of the government, and power of the laws through which’government operates. But these formal organs, in turn, are influenced by the informal organs which not only take the form of political parties in power and in opposition, but also large’ number of pressure groups, public opinion, popular movements, mass media etc. Therefore, the comprehensive analysis of power goes beyond formal organs of the state and includes informal organs of the state.
2. Technological Power :
   Technology, in modem times, has become an important element in the exercise of power. In recent times, the down of intelligent machine in the form of Artificial intelligence (Al) revolution will have immense influence on man, society and politics. The computers, unintelligent machines, are already doing much of the work in contemporary democracies. Political parties rely on large automated data base to help run their campaigns. Governments increasingly utilize big data systems to manage and deliver health care and other public services. Our dependence on the technology leaves us ripe for exploitation. Its visible signs are fake news and the micro targeting of voters with machine-generated massages designed to trigger their individual prejudices so as to influence voting behavior. Therefore, whoever gains upper hand technologically will have decisive influence on politics.
3. Economic Power :
   Economic power is the power derived from the possession of wealth, especially the major means of production and distribution. Economic power plays a vital role in decision making processes in liberal democracies. If a nation possesses abundant natural and other resources, it will have more economic power. The major newspapers and TV channels are owned by a handful big business houses who take full advantage of these media to promote opinion which suits their opinion. Consumer culture is promoted in a big way to suit their business interests.
4. Ideological Power :
   Ideological power represents the manipulative power of the dominant or ruling classes which hold sway bn the thinking and emotions of the people and try to create an illusion of consent. Thus, the people are led to believe that they are governed with their approval while they are actually continued to be governed according to the designs of the ruling classes. This ideological domination by the ruling class through the consent of the ruled is conceptualized as ‘hegemony’ by the Italian Marxist, Antonia Gramsci (1891 – 1937). Thus, an outstanding feature of political ideology is that it provides legitimacy to the ruling classes and helps them maintain their strong hold on political power. When people are made to believe that a particular system of government is the best system, they will not be inclined to challenge the authority of the ruling classes.
5. National Power :
   From the point of view of realist’s perspective, politics is a struggle for power’. ‘Whatever may be the ultimate aims of international politics, power is the immediate aim’. In the context of international relations, the national power implies a sovereign state (s) attempt to influence other sovereign state (s) in terms of achieving its own goals in international affairs. In this context, the terms like ‘unipolar’, ‘Bipolar’ and ‘multipolar’ world systems represent the world politics as dominated by one, two and many nations respectively. There are different methods of exercising national power through force, influence and authority. Force is the explicit threat or the use of military, economic and other instruments of coercion. Influence is the use of instruments of persuasion in order to alter the behavior of other nation. Authority is the compliance by one nation to the directives issued by another nation nurtured by the perception of respect, solidarity, affection, affinity, leadership, knowledge and expertise.

Question 2.

What is Power? Explain different perspectives of power.

Answer:

The concept of power has become a key concept covering all aspects of politics. Power denotes the ability of a person to fulfill his desires or to achieve his objectives. Power is a relationship in which one person or group is able to determine the actions of another in the direction of the former’s ends.

Different perspectives of power :

1. Elite Perspective :
   Elite perspective of power was developed in early twentieth century by three famous sociologists : Pareto, Mosca and Michels. This perspective regards competence and aptitude is responsible for the division of society into elites and masses. The elite exercises and influences political power. This theory believes in that the division becomes natural and functional and it will have little prospects of a thorough going change in such position.
2. Group perspective :
   Group perspective on power corresponds to pluralist theory. This perspective was developed by Artur Bently, it believes in that power, divides the society into two broad categories – dominant and dependent groups. According to this theory, power in society is not concentrated in a single group, but it is dispersed amongst a wide variety of social groups. These groups are largely autonomous and almost independent centers of decision. Organization of workers, peasants, traders, industrialists, consumers etc. could be cited as examples of such groups in the contemporary society. They have their own share of power in their respective spheres of operation.
3. Gender Perspective :
   In recent times gender perspective has become predominant in the study of power. It recognizes the division of society into two broad groups on the basis of gender : men and women. This division was created by nature for sustaining the human race and to enable human beings build up an excellent civilization and culture. But it is society which placed men and women in dominant and dependent positions respectively. Feminist theory demands a thorough going change in this arrangement and wish to liberate women from the undue dominance of men, which is manifested in the concept of ‘patriarchy’ implying the age-old and universal dominance of man over woman.
4. Class Perspective :
   Class perspective on power was developed by Marx (1818-83) and Engels (1820-95) during nineteenth century. According to this theory, political power is the product of economic power which is vested in the ownership of means of social production. From the dawn of civilization society was divided into two antagonistic classes – ‘haves’ and ‘have-nots’ on the basis of ownership and non-ownership of the means of social production. Thus this theory recognized ‘class’ as the organizing category for exercising power in society. Those who owned the means of social production had become the ‘dominant class’ and the rest of the society had been reduced to ‘dependent class’. This theory believes in establishing class-less society through socialist revolution.
5. Modem perspective :
   As against the conventional theories of power which primarily concerned with ‘power over’ that is, power (of the dominant) over (the dependent), modem perspective insists on the concept of ‘power to’ that is, ‘power’ (of the dependent) to (achieve a goal of his own choice). Empowerment of vulnerable sections like for example, empowerment of women and of the ordinary people, implies equipping them with ‘power to’ resist their oppressors and gain an opportunity and ability to utilize their capacities for self-development.

Short Answer Questions

Question 1.

What is Power? What is its Significance?

Answer:

The concept of power has become a key concept covering all aspects of politics. Power denotes the ability of a person to fulfill his desires or to achieve his objectives. Power is a relationship in which one person or group is able to determine the actions of another in the direction of the former’s ends.

Significance of power :

What the concept of power for politics is the money to the subject of Economics. With the emergence of the concept of Power as focus of study, political science gained an independent status as against its earlier status of an appendage to the study of philosophy or history or law or ethics. “The exponents of the power view of politics focus on the study of the acquisition, maintenance and loss of power. Herald Lasswell and A.Kaplan defined political science as ‘the study of shaping and sharing of power’.
During the early phase of development of modem political science, it was felt that the proper scope of political science was not just the study of the state or any other formal institutions, but it was informal organs which have got lot of influence, that is power, in the state. With the inclusion of both the formal and the informal political organizations, political science has become a study of modern political dynamics and expanded its scope.
The traditional perspective of power maintained that the exercise of power divided the society into two broad categories – dominant and dependent groups. But in modern pluralist society, individuals may be divided into several competing groups according to their status and interests. These groups cannot be classified into dominant and dependent groups. They have their own share of power in their respective spheres of operation. In order to protect democracy, these groups should be allowed to exercise their influence on government in the process of policy formulation and government should also seek co¬operation of these groups in the process of decision-making. Thus, study of power in politics promotes the project of democracy.

Question 2.

Explain any two perspectives of Power.

Answer:

1. Group Perspective :
   Group perspective on power corresponds to pluralist theory. This perspective was developed by Artur Bently, it believes in that power divides the society into two broad categories – dominant and dependent groups. According to this theory, power in society is not concentrated in a single group, but it is dispersed amongst a wide variety of social groups. These groups are largely autonomous and almost independent centers of decision. Organization of workers, peasants, traders, industrialists, consumers etc., could be cited as examples of such groups in the contemporary society. They have their own share of power in their respective spheres of operation.
2. Gender perspective :
   In recent times gender perspective has become predominant in the study of power. It recognizes the division of society into two broad groups on the basis of gender : men and women. This division was created by nature for sustaining the human race and to enable human beings build up an excellent civilization and culture. But it is society which placed men and women in dominant and dependent positions respectively. Feminist theory demands a thorough going change in this arrangement and wish to liberate women from the undue dominance of men, which is manifested in the concept of ‘patriarchy’ implying the age-old and universal dominance of man over woman.

Question 3.

Explain three types of Authority.

Answer:

The sociologist and philosopher Max Weber distinguishes three types of Authority – namely i) Charismatic ii) Traditional and iii) Legal-rational.
Each of which corresponds to a brand of leadership that is operative in contemporary society.

i) Charismatic Authority :

The charismatic authority points to an individual who possesses certain traits that make a leader extraordinary. This type of leader is not only capable of but actually possesses the superior power of charisma to rally diverse and conflict-prone people behind him. His power comes from the massive trust and almost unbreakable faith people put in him.

ii) Traditional authority :

Traditional authority indicates the presence of a dominant personality. This leader is some one who depends on established tradition or order. While this leader is also a dominant personality, the prevailing order in society gives him the mandate to rule. This type of leadership, however is reflective of every day routine and conduct.

iii) Legal-rational authority :

Legal-rational authority is one that is grounded in clearly defined laws. The obedience of people is not based on the capacity of any leader but on the legitimacy and competence that procedures and laws bestow upon persons in authority. Contemporary society depends on this type of rationalization, as the complexities of its problems require the emergence of a bureaucracy that embodies order and systematization.

Question 4.

What is the difference between Power and Authority?

Answer:

The main points of distinction between power and Authority are the following :

i) Authority is always legitimate whereas power’s both legitimate and illegitimate :

According to Robert Dahl, legitimate power’s called authority. In the words of Lasswell, power becomes authority when it is legalised. Capacity to issue orders is power. Whereas authority is that point where decisions are taken. Authority is based on popular support. It has legitimacy behind it. On the other hand, power may or may not be legitimate one can exercise power by sheer force,for example, a military dictator or autocratic king. Legitimate power acquires the character of Authority.

ii) Authority is based pn consent, whereas power is based on force :

Fredrick holds that “Authority is the capacity to justify by a process of reasoning what is desired from the viewpoint of man. “Power is an instrument of coercion and has a physical effect’, authority could as well be based on consent and yet be more effective. The authority of a teacher, a journalist or a social worker is not based on power, and is yet greatly respected.

iii) Authority is more democratic than power :

Authority is based on consent and people’s willingness to respect and obey it. It represents the will of the people through their representatives who possess such authority. Power, on the other hand, may be exercised through force in violation of the laws of the state and used by the ruler for his own self interests.

iv) Authority reflects the ability of man to get his proposals accepted but power is the capacity of man to change the behaviour of others:

According to Fredrick, authority is the capacity to justify by a process of reasoning what is desired from the point of view of man whereas power is the, capacity to control others so that they will do what they are wanted to do. Authority refers to one’s ability whereas power refers to his capacity.

v) Authority carries the element of reasoning:

whereas the power includes the element of force.

Very Short Answer Questions

Question 1.

What is Power?

Answer:

Power denotes the ability of a person to fulfill his desires or to achieve his objectives, power is a relationship in which one person or group is able to determine the actions of another in the direction of the former’s ends. H.V. Wiseman defined power as “the ability to get one’s wishes carried out despite resistance”.

Question 2.

What is Authority?

Answer:

The concept of authority is closely linked with the concept of power. Authority means legitimate power. Hamuel Arendt Portrays authority as power based on consent. Following are the definitions of authority.
1.“Authority is the capacity to justify by a process of reasoning what is desired from the point of view of man” – Fredrick
2.“Legitimate power is often called Authority”. – Robert.A.Dahl

Question 3.

Whaf is Legitimacy?

Answer:

The word legitimacy has been derived from the Latin word ‘Legitimas’ which means lawful. According to Max Weber legitimacy is based in belief and gets obedience from the people power is effective only if it is legitimate. Undoubtedly, power has the right to use coercion but that is not its chief element power should be based on legitimacy, otherwise it would invite trouble.and may prove ineffective. J.C.Pleno and R.E.Riggs define legitimacy as “the quality of being justified or willingly accepted by subordinates that convert the exercise, of political power into rightful authority.

Question 4.

What is uni-polar world?

Answer:

Unipolarity in international politics is a distribution of power in which one state exercises most of the cultural, economic and military influence unipolar systems possess only one great power and face no competition. The posteoid war international system is unipolar. The United States defence – spending is close to half of global military expenditures. The United States of America (USA) is playing a dominant role in the.affairs of the United . Nations Organisation (UNO) and even in the world affairs since the end of the cold war in 1991.

Question 5.

What are the Formal organs of power in the state?

Answer:

These are three formal organs of power in the state. They are : i) Legislature ii) Executive and iii) Judiciary. Legislature prepares, Amends Laws and Repeals old laws. Executive implements the different laws prepared by the legislature and maintains law and order in the state. Judiciary interprets and analyses the prevailing laws and provides justice.
The will of the state is formulated, expressed and realised through these formal organs.

Question 6.

What are the Informal organs of power in the state?

Answer:

These are eight main informal organs of power in the state. They are popularly known as agents of political socialisation. They are namely :
1.The family
2.The school
3.Peer groups (or) Reference groups
4.Employment experiences
5.Mass – media
6.Government and Party agencies
7.Symbols
8.Direct contact.

Question 7.

Who propounded Elite Theory of Power?

Answer:

Elite theory of power was propounded by three famous sociologists namely Pareto, Mosca and Michels in early twentieth century. This theory regards competence and aptitude is responsible for the division of society into elites and masses. The elite exercises and influences political power. This theory believes in that the division, becomes natural and functional and it will have little prospects of a thorough going change in such position.