Power
The ability to make others do what you would have them do
Sources of Civic Power
the 3 Laws Power
Law 1 : Power is never static
It’s always either accumulating or decaying in a civic arena. So if you aren’t taking action, you’re being acted upon.
control of the means of force such as police or military
Law 2 : power is like water
power impacts every aspect of life. Politics is the work of controlling that flow in a direction you prefer. Policy is power frozen.
Law 3 : power compounds
Power begets more power, and so does powerlessness.
money creates the ability to buy results & many types of power
use of law to compel people to do (or not do) certain things
has ability to make people change behavior based on what “society” accepts as “normal”
can generate power if it motivates enough people to change their thinking or actions
power expressed through collective intensity of interest in asserting legitimacy
Democratic
-Encourages citizens to participate in elections.
-Free, Fair and competitive elections
Limits Military role in policy making
ex : ( UK/Mexico)
Authoritarian
Lack of free, fair and competitive election
Usually don’t encourage citizens to vote, even though voting is available.
ex : ( China/Iran)
important date (Iran)
(Before: Monarchy)
1979 Islamic Revolution
important dates (Russia)
(Before: Monarchy)
1917 Russian Revolution
1991 collapse of the Soviet Union
important date (China)
(Before: Civil War/monarchy)
1949 Communist Revolution
important date (Nigeria)
(Before: Military junta)
hand over power to civilian/ Elected government
What is government?
Group of members who are responsible for managing , making policies and maintaining the nation/state.
What is Regime?
a particular government/system or method of government
What is a Coup d’etat?
an overthrow of government typically by a military or political leader
What is a Revolution?
When there is a transformation of government and system.
Legitimacy structure (Iran)
The Constitution names Islam as the official Religion. Sharia law provides the government with legitimacy. Legislature: Majles is directly elected ( but candidates are vetted by the Supreme Leader). (head of state : Khoemeni)
Legitimacy structure (UK)
Voting for a religious establishment that provides the citizens/public with guidance which provides the government legitimacy.
Religious Clerics marry within the political/Merchant Class of Iran to cement their legitimacy. Head of state : Queen of England - title is the defender of the faith. Protestant (Anglican Church)