BASIC CONCEPT OF GOVERNMENT 2 (POWER AND AUTHORITY) Lesson Note
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
This SS1 GOVERNMENT lesson note covers BASIC CONCEPT OF GOVERNMENT 2 (POWER AND AUTHORITY) for First Term, Week 4.
Lesson Note
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
i. Describe power as a key concept in politics and highlight the forms of power.
ii. Explain how political power is acquired and exercised.
iii. Analyse the term political authority and explain the sources and types of political authority.
iv. State the differences between power and authority.
A. POWER AS A KEY CONCEPT IN POLITICS AND FORMS OF POWER
Power is the ability of an individual, group, institution or government to influence or control the behaviour, decisions and actions of others.
In politics, power is very important because it enables political leaders and institutions to make decisions, enforce laws and influence the activities of citizens.
B. FORMS OF POWER
1. POLITICAL POWER: The ability to influence political decisions and control the affairs of a state.
2. ECONOMIC POWER: The ability to influence others through control of wealth, resources and economic opportunities.
3. MILITARY POWER: The ability to use armed forces to defend a country or influence political decisions.
4. SOCIAL POWER: The ability to influence people through social relationships, status or position in society.
5. IDEOLOGICAL POWER: The ability to influence people through ideas, beliefs, values and political principles.
C. HOW POLITICAL POWER IS ACQUIRED AND EXERCISED
Political power can be acquired through several means, including:
1. ELECTION: Political leaders can acquire power by winning elections and receiving the support of voters.
2. HEREDITARY SUCCESSION: In some traditional systems, political power is transferred from one ruler or family member to another.
3. APPOINTMENT: A person may acquire political power through appointment to a political or government position.
4. INHERITANCE: In traditional political systems, authority may be passed down within a ruling family.
5. MILITARY TAKEOVER: Political power may sometimes be acquired when the military takes control of government.
6. REVOLUTION: A group may acquire political power by overthrowing an existing government through a revolution.
D. POLITICAL AUTHORITY, SOURCES AND TYPES OF POLITICAL AUTHORITY
Political authority is the legitimate right of a person, group or government to make decisions, give orders and enforce laws which citizens are expected to obey.
Political authority is different from mere power because authority involves legitimacy and the accepted right to rule.
SOURCES OF POLITICAL AUTHORITY
1. CONSTITUTION: The constitution gives government officials the legal right to exercise certain powers.
2. LAW: Laws provide the legal basis for the exercise of authority.
3. TRADITION: In traditional societies, authority may come from customs and long-established practices.
4. POPULAR CONSENT: Political leaders may derive authority from the consent and support of the people.
5. RELIGION: In some societies, political authority may be based on religious beliefs and institutions.
6. ELECTION: Winning a free and fair election can give a leader legitimate authority to govern.
TYPES OF POLITICAL AUTHORITY
1. TRADITIONAL AUTHORITY: This is authority based on customs, traditions and established practices. Traditional rulers are examples.
2. CHARISMATIC AUTHORITY: This is authority based on the exceptional qualities, personality or leadership ability of an individual.
3. LEGAL-RATIONAL AUTHORITY: This is authority based on laws, rules and established constitutional procedures. Elected government officials exercise this type of authority.
E. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN POWER AND AUTHORITY
1. Power is the ability to influence or control others, while authority is the legitimate right to exercise power.
2. Power may be obtained through force or coercion, while authority is generally based on legitimacy and acceptance.
3. Power does not always require legal recognition, while authority is normally recognised as legitimate.
4. A person may exercise power without being legally entitled to do so, while political authority gives a person a recognised right to make decisions.
5. Power may create fear or pressure, while authority encourages obedience because people accept the legitimacy of the person or institution exercising it.
Authority is a form of legitimate power, but not every form of power is authority.
Evaluation
OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS
1.What is power in politics?
A. The ability to influence others
B. The ability to avoid responsibility
C. The process of making friends
D. The freedom to disobey laws
2.Which of the following is a form of power?
A. Political power
B. Agricultural power
C. Domestic power
D. Educational power
3.Political power can be acquired through
A. election
B. sleeping
C. travelling
D. entertainment
4.Which of the following is a source of political authority?
A. Constitution
B. Weather
C. Fashion
D. Sports
5.Traditional authority is based mainly on
A. customs and traditions
B. military weapons
C. personal wealth
D. modern technology
6.Charismatic authority is based on the
A. exceptional qualities of a leader
B. written constitution only
C. size of a country
D. amount of natural resources
7.Legal-rational authority is based on
A. laws and established rules
B. family relationships
C. physical strength
D. personal friendship
8.Which of the following best describes political authority?
A. Legitimate right to make political decisions
B. Ability to become wealthy
C. Ability to entertain citizens
D. Freedom to ignore
9.One major difference between power and authority is that authority is
A. legitimate
B. always violent
C. always inherited
D. never recognised
10.Which of the following is a way political power may be exercised?
A. Making and enforcing laws
B. Avoiding government duties
C. Refusing to obey every law
D. Ignoring public policies
Theory Questions
1a. Define power and explain its importance in politics.
1b. Highlight five forms of power.
1c. Explain four ways through which political power can be acquired and exercised.
2a. Define political authority and explain three sources of political authority.
2b. State five differences between power and authority.