Whatever Happened to Justice Ch 26

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Questions and Answers

What is the primary characteristic of political power as described?

The legal privilege of using force. (correct)

The skill to negotiate agreements.

The capacity to manipulate objects.

The ability to create wealth.

What example is given to illustrate the concept of political power?

The collection of taxes. (correct)

The imposition of fines for speeding.

Voluntary donations to charities.

Contracts in business transactions.

How is political power characterized in terms of its nature?

Beneficial and constructive.

Enticing and persuasive.

Encroaching and often invisible. (correct)

Strictly regulatory with no force involved.

Which statement reflects the caution regarding political powerseekers?

Their good intentions can lead to exploitation of force. Signup and view all the answers

What conclusion did Jefferson reach about trust in governance?

Men cannot be trusted with the government of others. Signup and view all the answers

What is the main distinction made between political power and influence?

Influence cannot use coercive actions. Signup and view all the answers

What does Samuel Adams suggest about human passions and political power?

Political power leads to a physiological attraction. Signup and view all the answers

How is political power described in relation to its effect on individuals?

It can create a drug-like addiction. Signup and view all the answers

What did historian Bernard Bailyn observe about the early study of power?

It involved a scholarly analysis of its nature. Signup and view all the answers

What is mentioned as a common behavior observed in politicians over time?

They have been known to engage in corrupt practices. Signup and view all the answers

Which term does Thomas Paine use to describe the desire for control within his pamphlet?

Longing for arbitrary power. Signup and view all the answers

What physiological reaction is compared to the effects of cocaine?

Increase in heart and breathing rates. Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested about the feelings of powerseekers over time?

They lose their moral sense and become amoral. Signup and view all the answers

What phenomenon is illustrated through examples like a child tying a tin can to a dog's tail?

The early signs of political power dynamics. Signup and view all the answers

How do corporations exert influence compared to governments according to the content?

They can influence without resorting to coercive actions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Political Power

Political power is the legal privilege to use force on those who haven't harmed anyone.
Taxes are a common example, as they threaten citizens with force (arrest) for not complying with government demands.
Only government is allowed this type of force; private institutions cannot compel people to buy goods or obey commands.
Power seekers want the legal use of force to get their way, often with good intentions.
This power is inherently corrupting. History shows an acceptance and abuse of power throughout leadership, despite good intentions.

Nature of Political Power

Political power isn't a skill or talent; it's the use of force against individuals.
Power is disguised, often in the background—the "mailed fist in the velvet glove."
Power is often intoxicating and liable to abuse.
Power can corrupt a good person into a tyrant.

Power, Addiction, and Corruption

Political power potentially has an addictive effect, linked to a primal, "boosting" mechanism for survival (like the mammoth example).
Powerseekers may lose their moral compass, becoming amoral to achieve that feeling.
It's similar to a drug addiction, substituting for natural body chemicals.
Historical examples show repeated misuse and corrupting effects of power.

Comparisons to Cocaine

Power experiences a rush, like cocaine's effects.
Cocaine's effects are linked to artificial substitution of body chemicals, perhaps akin to political power's effect.

Historical Observation on Power

Founders' studies concluded power is intoxicating and corrupting.
Extensive corruption in government is observed historically.
Historical figures like William Pitt commented on the corrupting nature of power.

Influence vs. Power

Influence differs from power.
Private entities (corporations) can influence but cannot use force (guns, prisons) like governments do.

Peace Officers vs. Police Officers

Peace officers uphold fundamental laws (enforcing civilization) and protect citizens, combating encroachment and fraud.
Police officers enforce what politicians demand (potentially breaking peace).

Quotes about Political Power

Many quotes from various historical figures (La Rochefoucauld, Voltaire, Churchill, etc.) highlight the corrupting, intoxicating nature of power, and the risk of its misuse.
Quotes from figures like Plato, Hitler, and Emerson illustrate various perspectives on power and politics.

Additional Notes

Power-worship can lead to the belief that current trends continue without questioning the status quo.
History shows humans make the same mistakes repeatedly when power is involved.

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Description

Explore the complex nature of political power and its inherent risks of addiction and corruption. This quiz delves into the legal use of force, the history of power abuse, and the psychological aspects of governance. Test your understanding of how political power functions and affects those who wield it.