Political Power

Question 1

what is political power?

Answer 1

the ability to influence another’s behaviour and control the outcome of events

Question 2

what is a state

Answer 2

a political entity under a system of govt, usually generally defined geographical area

Question 3

what is a govt

Answer 3

the leading institution of the state

Question 4

apparatus of the state

Answer 4

police, military, welfare system

Question 5

3 faces of power

Answer 5

decision making, agenda setting, thought control

Question 6

decision making

Answer 6

• conscious actions that in some way influence the content of decisions

Question 7

agenda setting

Answer 7

• the ability to prevent decisions being made
• setting and controlling the political agenda and thus preventing issues being raised in the first place (pigeon-holing bills; committee stage USA)

Question 8

thought control

Answer 8

• the ability to influence another by shaping what they think, want or need
• expressed as ideological indoctrination or psychological control (propaganda- Nazi Germany)

Question 9

3 faces can be seen in private business:

Answer 9

Decision making: campaign to defeat proposed consumer protection legislation

Agenda setting: lobby politicians and parties to prevent the question being publicly discussed

Thought control: can persuade consumers that their interests have already been looked after

Question 10

sanctions that affect behaviour

Answer 10

coercion or inducement (carrot v stick)

Question 11

coercion examples

Answer 11

denying rewards to opponents
demotion
imprisonment
death

Question 12

inducement examples

Answer 12

monetary gain
honour
positions of power