Basic Concepts of Power and Authority – SS1 Government Lesson Note (First Term)

Power is the ability to control the actions of others, even against their wishes, by using sanctions to enforce decisions. Authority is the right to command others and enforce obedience, and it rests on one’s office and the consent of the people.

Behavioural objectives

1. Define power and authority.
2. List and explain the forms of power.
3. State the sources of power.
4. Identify the three sources of political authority according to Max Weber.
5. Describe the types of authority.
6. Distinguish between power and authority.

What is power?

Power is the ability to make others obey, whether or not they agree, by holding the means to punish them.

• Aim: it seeks to compel people to obey rules and commands.
• Means: it works through the possession of sanctions.
• Sanction: a punishment or penalty applied for non-compliance, such as a fine, imprisonment or dismissal.

What are the forms of power?

There are four forms of power: political, physical, military and economic.

Political power

• Meaning: power exercised by the government in running the affairs of the state.
• Effect: decisions made through it are binding on the whole state.
• Location: it resides in the three arms of government (legislature, executive and judiciary).
• Source: it is derived from the Constitution.

Physical power

• Meaning: the use of force to make people obey. It is often called naked power.
• Users: the police, security services and others.
• Effect: it may cause pain, injury or death.

Military power

• Meaning: the power of the armed forces of a state.
• Uses: it can overthrow a government by force.
• Other uses: it can quell riots and defend the internal and external territory of the state.

Economic power

• Meaning: the use of economic resources at one’s disposal to control the actions of others.
• Example: rich people may influence government policies to suit their interests.

What are the sources of power?

The main sources of power are the Constitution, inheritance, coercion, charisma, position of authority and wealth.

• The Constitution: in democratic states, it provides for power to be given to individuals through the ballot box.
• Inheritance: people born into royal families have the right to ascend to power, and this gives them some elements of power.
• Coercion or force: power can be seized by force, especially by the military through a coup d’état (the overthrow of a government by force).
• Charisma: personal qualities and influence give a leader power over followers. Examples are Nelson Mandela, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo and Kwame Nkrumah.
• Position of authority: holders of an office or expert knowledge exercise power over those who do not. This power ends when the person leaves the office.
• Wealth: those who control economic resources use this advantage to gain power. This agrees with the principle of economic determinism.

What is authority?

Authority is the right to command or direct others and enforce obedience.

• Basis: it is derived from one’s office and the consent of the people.
• Acceptance: it implies that the people accept someone’s right to rule.
• Legitimacy: this is the general acceptance of a ruler’s right to rule.
• Military rule: even military governments try to legitimise their authority by seeking the consent of the people.
• Democracy: the electorate is the primary source of power and political authority.

What is the difference between power and authority?

Power is the ability to force obedience, while authority is the accepted right to command.

What are the sources of political authority?

Max Weber, a German sociologist, identified three sources of political authority: traditional, legal and charismatic.

• Traditional authority: the right to rule based on the customs, norms and traditions of a society. It is hereditary, and Obas, Emirs and Obis derive their political power from it.
• Legal authority: authority derived from the body of rules and regulations governing a society. This body of rules is the Constitution, which may be written or unwritten.
• Charismatic authority: authority derived from the extraordinary personal qualities that enable a person to lead others. These qualities give the person the right to rule.

What are the types of authority?

There are seven types of authority: political, military, traditional, delegated, technical, judicial and administrative.

• Political authority: the right of political officeholders to command, make and enforce policies. The Constitution confers it.
• Military authority: the right of the armed forces to use force to maintain law, order and security in the state.
• Traditional authority: power legitimised by customs and tradition. It is acquired through inheritance.
• Delegated authority: authority given to a subordinate to carry out certain powers on specified matters.
• Technical authority: authority accepted because a person is an expert in a recognised field.
• Judicial authority: the authority of courts and judges to issue fines or other punishments to individuals, groups or governments.
• Administrative authority: the right of professionals such as civil servants and managers to make decisions in their offices and secure obedience.

Evaluation

1. Define power and authority.
2. List the four forms of power.
3. State four sources of power.
4. Name the three sources of political authority identified by Max Weber.
5. What is delegated authority?

Assignment

Explain how economic power is relevant in politics, giving two points.