Fundamental Concepts in political science

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Power

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the ability to change/modify others’ behavior according to what we wish/want

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Hard Power

Back

The use of force, coercion, command, military action, etc to influence others.

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Soft Power

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The ability to influence, persuasion, inducement, reward, diplomacy etc wihout using coercion

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What are the characteristics of power?

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i- it’s a form of social relationship; smth that we can’t see or touch

- happens between two/more individuals/groups in our social interaction

ii- transitive; has subject and object of power.

- there is no leader when there is no follower.

iii- can be seen from two points of view: the power-holder and subject of power.

iv-situational; depends on the time, place, and position

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Authority

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Roman notion: ‘auctor’ or ‘auctoritos’, meaning counsel or advice. power given by the law/constitution; a legitimate exercise of power

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Authority must fulfill 2 conditions

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-Position/role

-Individual/person

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Charismatic authority

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o   personal qualities that a leader has

o   these qualities make people follow him or her; this leader therefore has the authority because of his personal appeal and leadership qualities

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Traditional authority

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o   authority which is traditionally inherited from the previous generation, or customs; refers to the kingship

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Legal-rational authority

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o   authority given by the law or constitution to certain individuals, groups or institutions

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Political Culture

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the practice, belief, values which are widely shared and accepted by the members of the society in political life