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. This note covers the forms and sources of power, and the sources and types of authority.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• define power and authority;
• list and explain the forms of power;
• state the sources of power;
• identify the three sources of political authority according to Max Weber;
• describe the types of authority.

What is power?

Power is the ability to control the actions of others irrespective of their wishes. It is the ability to enforce decisions or commands through the possession of means of sanctions. It seeks to compel people to obey rules. Sanctions or punishments are often applied for non-compliance.

Forms of power

1. Political power: This is the type of power that is exercised by the government in the running of the affairs of the state. Decisions made through this type of power are binding on the state. Power resides in the three arms of government and is derived from the Constitution.
2. Physical power: This type is often referred to as naked power. It involves the use of force to compel people to obey. The police, security services and others use this type of power, and it may often cause pain, injury or death.
3. Military power: Military power can be used to overthrow a government by force, quell riots and defend the internal and external territory of a state.
4. Economic power: This type of power involves the use of economic resources at one’s disposal to control the actions of others. Rich men exercise economic power over the poor by influencing government policies to suit them.

Sources of power

1. The Constitution: In democratic states, the Constitution confers power on an individual through the ballot box.
2. Inheritance: In most societies, this is a common means of acquiring power. Those born into royal families have the right to ascend to power, and this gives them some elements of power.
3. Coercion or force: Power can be obtained through the use of force, especially by the military. In Africa, for example, the military has acquired political power by overthrowing a government through what is known as a coup d’état.
4. Charisma: Power is conferred on many people through their personal qualities and influence. Such people have the zeal and charismatic attributes of a leader, for example Nelson Mandela of South Africa, Nnamdi Azikiwe and Obafemi Awolowo of Nigeria, and Kwame Nkrumah of Ghana.
5. Position of authority: Those who possess expert knowledge in various aspects of human life exercise power over those who do not. Such power ceases to exist when the person vacates the office.
6. Wealth: Those who control economic resources use this advantage to acquire power. This is in line with the principle of economic determinism.

What is authority?

Authority refers to the right to command or direct others and enforce obedience. The power of authority is derived from one’s office and the consent of the people. It implies the acceptance by the people of someone’s right to rule.

This is why even military governments try to legitimise their authority by seeking the consent of the people. In a democratic society, the electorate is the primary source of power and political authority.

What are the sources of political authority?

Max Weber, a German sociologist, identifies three sources of political authority:

1. Traditional authority: This is the right to rule based on customs and traditions. It is hereditary and based on the norms, customs and traditions of a particular society. It is through this source that Obas, Emirs and Obis derive their political power.
2. Legal authority: This type of authority is derived from the body of rules and regulations governing a society. This is called the Constitution, and it could be written or unwritten.
3. Charismatic authority: This is derived from the extraordinary qualities that enable a person to lead others. Charisma is an extraordinary quality which a person possesses and which gives him the right to rule.

What are the types of authority?

1. Political authority: This is the right of political officeholders to command, make and enforce policies. The Constitution confers such powers.
2. Military authority: This refers to the right of the armed forces to use force to maintain law, order and security in the state.
3. Traditional authority: This is the power legitimised by customs and tradition. It is acquired through inheritance.
4. Delegated authority: This is authority conferred on a subordinate to carry out certain powers on specified matters.
5. Technical authority: When a person’s authority is accepted because he is an expert in a recognised field, he has technical authority.
6. Judicial authority: This is the authority which the courts and judges have to issue fines or other punishments to individuals, groups or governments.
7. Administrative authority: This is the right of professionals such as civil servants and managers to make decisions in their respective 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

1. How is economic power relevant in politics?
2. Inheritance is a form of power. Explain.