KC 1 - Politics Flashcards
(19 cards)
What is POLITICS?
The activity through which people make, preserve and amend the general rules under which the live.
What is the concept of politics linked with?
conflict, co-operation and the rivalry of opposing opinions.
What is POWER?
The ability to achieve a desired outcome. The ability to influence the behaviour of others in a manner not of their choosing.
Who says there are 3 types of power?
Lukes (1974)
What are the 3 types of power that Lukes identifies? (DAT POWER)
- Decision-making
- Agenda-setting
- Thought control
Why is power significant to politics?
Politics runs on the basis of who has power and how they use it
What is LEGITIMACY?
‘to be declared as lawful’. Transforms power into authority.
What are 3 types of legitimacy?
Obedience - Weber
Support - Lipset
Manufactured consent - Habermas
What is AUTHORITY?
Actions based on the acknowledged duty to obey.
What are the 3 types of authority that Weber identifies?
Traditional
Charismatic
Legal Rational
What do liberals and anarchists say about authority?
enemy to freedom: unquestioning obedience.
What are two differentiating types of power?
Hard and Soft
What is Hard Power?
The use of force - ‘political power grows out of the barrel of a gun’
What is Soft Power?
The use of attraction and ideology to persuade supporters
Why can Politics not be a Science?
Objectivity is hard
What do Marxists say about Power?
It is always held by those in higher/middle class societies
What do Feminists say about Power?
The female population is controlled by men
What do Functionalist say about Political Systems?
Political systems work in a way that is beneficial to everyone
What do Rational Choice Theorists say about Political Systems?
Political systems work in a way which is beneficial for the individual
