Understanding Civic Power

The video explores the concept of power, its sources, and its role in civic life. It identifies six main sources of civic power: physical force, wealth, state action, social norms, ideas, and numbers. The video also explains three laws of power: power is never static, power is like water, and power compounds. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and utilizing power effectively in public life, encouraging viewers to become literate in reading and writing power. The video concludes by reflecting on the ethical use of power and its impact on citizenship.

Why is it important to understand power in civic life?

• To control others

• To avoid being taken advantage of

• To avoid civic responsibilities

• To become wealthy

Which of the following is NOT a source of civic power?

• Wealth

• Physical force

• State action

• Social media

What is the primary focus of power in the civic arena?

• Influencing family decisions

• Controlling workplace dynamics

• Managing personal relationships

• Guiding community choices and actions

What is the significance of social norms as a source of power?

• They have centralized control

• They are irrelevant in civic life

• They are enforced by law

• They operate peer to peer

What does the law of power being like water imply?

• Power is static and unchanging

• Power flows and can be directed

• Power is always decaying

• Power is only for the wealthy

Which law of power suggests that power is always accumulating or decaying?

• Power is like water

• Power compounds

• Power is frozen

• Power is never static

How can individuals become more powerful in public life?

• By avoiding conflicts

• By learning to read and write power

• By ignoring power dynamics

• By accumulating wealth

What does it mean to 'write power'?

• To follow existing power structures

• To document power structures

• To believe in your right to create change

• To ignore power dynamics

What is the relationship between power and character?

• Character is more important than power

• Power is more important than character

• Power plus character equals a great citizen

• Power and character are unrelated

What question does the lesson pose about the purpose of power?

• Should power be used for personal gain?

• Should power benefit everyone or just the individual?

• Is power more important than wealth?

• Is power inherently good or evil?