Politics Science: Approaches to Power

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What are the main stages of the policy cycle?

Agenda-Setting, Decision, Implementation, Evaluation, Termination

Why are public policies considered very diverse?

Public policies are diverse due to variations in content, objectives, contexts, actors, and methods employed. Factors such as cultural, political, and economic differences contribute to this diversity.

Why did policy analysis develop after the Kennedy administration came to power?

Policy analysis developed after the Kennedy administration due to increased confidence in state intervention, economic growth, seeking expert support, and belief in the state's rational action capabilities.

What are the main differences between authoritarianism and totalitarianism?

Totalitarian regimes aim for full mobilization of the population. Signup and view all the answers

Why are political parties important in democratic systems?

Political parties are essential for presenting competing programs, structuring political debates, and allowing voters to identify with the political sphere. Signup and view all the answers

How can we define political parties?

Political parties are lasting organizations aiming to gain political power through popular support. They are legally recognized entities distinguished by characteristics such as a lasting organization and explicit desire for political power. Signup and view all the answers

How do cartel parties differ from catch-all parties?

Cartel parties survive through public funding and limit electoral competition, while catch-all parties aim to attract people with diverse political viewpoints. Signup and view all the answers

What are Lipset and Rokkan’s four main social cleavages and which party families emerged from them?

Lipset and Rokkan identified four main social cleavages: central/periphery, state/church, rural/urban, and workers/employers. Different party families such as regionalist parties, conservative/bourgeois parties, and workers' movements emerged from these cleavages. Signup and view all the answers

Lipset and Rokkan's 'freezing hypothesis' refers to what concept and is it still valid today?

The 'freezing hypothesis' suggests that party systems reflect original conflicts over time. Recent developments indicate a potential 'defrosting of cleavages', challenging the idea of party systems being entirely frozen. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it said that citizenship includes a moral dimension?

Citizenship involves responsibilities beyond legal rights, encompassing virtues such as civic responsibility and ethical behavior, contributing to the common good. Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of the family in the relationship between citizens and their political environment?

The family shapes individuals' political identity and influences their relationship with the political environment by serving as the primary agent of political socialization. Signup and view all the answers

Why do inequalities of politicization exist?

Inequalities of politicization can be attributed to factors such as socio-economic status, educational level, and social environment, influencing an individual's political engagement. Signup and view all the answers

Why are some citizens not interested in politics?

Low Political Efficacy, Lack of Relevance, Distrust in Political Institutions, Political Apathy, Ineffective Civic Education Signup and view all the answers

Why can the fact of consciously belonging to a predetermined group be conducive to political participation?

Sense of Identity, Collective Efficacy, Solidarity, Mobilization, Shared Goals Signup and view all the answers

Why do people vote?

Expressing political convictions, Participating in selection of representatives, Legitimizing government, Engaging in a ritual Signup and view all the answers

Why do some people not vote?

Indifference to politics, Intentional refusal, Perception of costs exceeding expected benefits, Voter suppression techniques Signup and view all the answers

Why is voter turnout an important democratic question, and how can it be influenced?

Determines representativeness of electorate, Enhances legitimacy of democratic process, Addressing barriers, Inclusive policies, Promoting civic engagement Signup and view all the answers

What is electoral geography?

Focuses on spatial distribution of electorates, Examines how contexts influence voting behavior, Emphasizes geographical patterns of voting Signup and view all the answers

Do people think politically as they are socially?

Traditionally yes, but relationship has become more complex Signup and view all the answers

Is it possible to predict how people will vote?

Various factors considered, Analytical models used, Predictions challenging due to complexity Signup and view all the answers

What is the individual and rational voter?

Voters act as rational actors, Seek to maximize gains and minimize costs, Make choices based on self-interest Signup and view all the answers

Do women and men vote differently?

Historically yes, but evolving, Gender no longer decisive marker, Society changes contribute to shifts Signup and view all the answers

Why do people participate in collective action?

Address relative frustrations, Express dissent, Advocate for social change, Share values and identity Signup and view all the answers

What is a social movement?

Organized collective effort for social change, Includes wide range of activities, Characterized by shared goal and identity Signup and view all the answers

Is participation in collective action irrational?

No, based on perceived costs and benefits, Can be rationalized by meaning and efficacy Signup and view all the answers

Under which conditions do social movements emerge?

Relatives frustration, Economic crises, Political instability, Social inequalities Signup and view all the answers

What is a 'mobilization entrepreneur'?

Individual or group initiating collective action, Mobilizes resources, Coordinates efforts, Guides movement toward goals Signup and view all the answers

What are repertoires of collective action, and how have these repertoires evolved recently?

Various forms of action used by groups, Recent evolution includes traditional and modern forms leveraging technology and media Signup and view all the answers

How can we define a public policy?

Public policy involves resource allocation and constraints, Harold Laswell defined as 'who gets what, when, and how' Signup and view all the answers

What are the differences between the Substantialist, Institutionalist, and Relational Approaches to Power?

The substantialist view power as something one can possess implying the ability to have it or lose it; for the institutionalist approach, power is identified with the state and institutions, emphasizing the fact that the leaders, those occupying the official roles, are the power; whereas relational/interactionist power is seen as a relation between individuals or groups. Signup and view all the answers

How is obedience obtained?

Obedience is obtained through simple habits, emotional reasons, material reasons, and idealism. Signup and view all the answers

Can political power rest exclusively on force?

Political power can rest on force, but relying exclusively on force makes it precarious and fragile. Signup and view all the answers

What are the limits of force as an instrument of power?

Force has limits as a tool of power because power must be recognized and legitimate for stability. Force is only effective within a legal framework. Signup and view all the answers

What's the difference between power and authority?

Power is the ability to influence or control others, while authority is a legitimate and stabilized form of power that presupposes a recognized right to exercise power. Signup and view all the answers

What are the 3 ideal types of legitimate authority according to Weber?

The 3 ideal types of legitimate authority according to Weber are Traditional domination, Legal-Rational domination, and Charismatic domination. Signup and view all the answers

What relations can be established between War and the Construction of the State?

War has historically played a crucial role in the construction of the State by necessitating the establishment of bureaucracies and legitimizing taxation. Signup and view all the answers

On which monopolies rest the power of the state?

The power of the state rests on monopolies of the production of laws, fiscal, economic, judicial, collective representation, and legitimate physical violence. Signup and view all the answers

What's the role of bureaucracy in the development of the state?

Bureaucracy plays a crucial role in the development of the state by coordinating and administering activities, contributing to stability and functionality. Signup and view all the answers

What does the process of civilization mean according to Robert Elias?

The process of civilization, according to Robert Elias, refers to the development of self-restraint and the pacification of society, leading to a controlled exercise of power. Signup and view all the answers

What are the characteristics of a feudal political system?

The feudal political system is characterized by weak institutionalization of power, fragmentation of power, low stability of political units, and lack of sovereignty. Signup and view all the answers

What elements favored the emergence of the nation-state?

The emergence of the nation-state was favored by economic factors, religious and cultural factors, and political and military factors. Signup and view all the answers

What are the phenomena that contribute to the erosion of the power of the contemporary state?

The erosion of the power of the contemporary state is contributed to by deterritorialization of power, decentralization of power, and processes of "hollowing out" of the state. Signup and view all the answers

What kind of criticisms have been addressed to Rousseau’s classification of political regimes?

Critics have addressed criticisms regarding normativity and subjectivity, diversity of political regimes, Marxist perspective, and sociology of institutions. Signup and view all the answers

What are the functions of the single party in a totalitarian regime?

The functions of the single party in a totalitarian regime include supervision of the population, education of the masses, worship of the leader, training of the "New Man/Woman," and selection of elites. Signup and view all the answers

What does it mean that terror is the 'essence' of totalitarianism? In what terms does J. Linz disagree with this assumption?

Terror as the 'essence' of totalitarianism implies that control and repression define such regimes. J. Linz disagrees with this notion, arguing against terror as the essential criterion for defining totalitarianism. Signup and view all the answers

According to which characteristics can we recognize an authoritarian regime?

We can recognize an authoritarian regime based on characteristics such as restrictions on political freedoms, centralized power, limited democratic processes, suppression of opposition, and control over media. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Approaches to Power

Three approaches to understanding power:
- Substantialist: views power as something that can be possessed, implying the ability to have or lose it
- Institutionalist: identifies power with the state and institutions, emphasizing the distribution of authority and the exercise of power
- Relational/Interactionist: sees power as a relation between individuals or groups, where one has power over another

Obtaining Obedience

Four factors that contribute to obtaining obedience:
- Simple habits: actions that seem natural and routine
- Emotional reasons: recognition and adhesion to a leader
- Material reasons: interests that motivate obedience
- Idealism: believing that obedience is necessary to achieve a higher goal

Political Power and Force

Political power can rest on force, but relying exclusively on force makes it precarious and fragile
A successful authority requires legitimacy, which is fundamental to the stability of power

Limits of Force

Force has limits as an instrument of power, as it must be recognized and legitimate to be effective
Force is only effective within a legal framework, otherwise, the monopoly of legitimate physical constraint held by the state allows for the imposition of sanctions

Power and Authority

Power: the ability to influence or control others
Authority: a legitimate and stabilized form of power, which presupposes a recognized right to exercise power

Ideal Types of Legitimate Authority

According to Weber, three ideal types of legitimate authority:
- Traditional domination: derived from customs and habits, naturalizing power
- Legal-Rational domination: organized by written rules, depersonalizing power
- Charismatic domination: linked to the belief in the exceptional quality of the leader

War and the Construction of the State

War has played a crucial role in the construction of the State
The competitive dynamic of war led to the reduction of political units, necessitating the establishment of bureaucracies and the legitimization of taxation

Monopolies of the State

The power of the state rests on several monopolies:
- Production of laws: everyone must submit
- Fiscal monopoly: the state has the exclusive right to demand financial contributions
- Economic monopolies: the state controls aspects related to money
- Judicial monopoly: the state has the right to judge and punish
- Monopoly of collective representation: the state makes decisions that engage the community as a whole
- Monopoly of legitimate physical violence: the state claims the exclusive right to the legitimate use of force within a given territory

Role of Bureaucracy

According to Weber, bureaucracy serves to coordinate and administer the activities of the State, contributing to its stability and functionality
Bureaucracy refers to the organization of a structure based on formalized and rationalized rules, including hierarchy, specialization, and recruitment based on competence

Process of Civilization

According to Elias, the process of civilization refers to the development of self-restraint and the pacification of society
This process involves individuals incorporating rules and gaining increased control over their emotions, impulses, and aggressiveness

Feudal Political System

Characteristics of the feudal political system:
- Weak institutionalization of power
- Fragmentation of power
- Low stability of political units
- Lack of sovereignty

Emergence of the Nation-State

Three factors that favored the emergence of the nation-state:
- Economic factors: development of market capitalism
- Religious and cultural factors: separation of political and religious power
- Political and military factors: competitive dynamics, including wars, led to the gradual reduction of political units

Erosion of State Power

Phenomena that contribute to the erosion of state power:
- Deterritorialization of power
- Decentralization of power
- Processes of "hollowing out" of the State### Citizenship and Ethical Considerations
Citizenship involves not only legal parameters but also ethical considerations, requiring individuals to actively contribute to the betterment of society and engage in morally upright actions.

Marshall's Model of Citizenship

Marshall's model of citizenship comprises three stages: civil rights, political rights, and social rights.
Critics argue that the model reflects a particular Western and masculine perspective, may not be universally applicable, and raises concerns about gender bias.

The Role of Family in Political Socialization

The family plays a crucial role in shaping the political identity of individuals and their relationship with the political environment.
Family influences political affiliation, with individuals often aligning with their family's political choices.
The family's role is not only influential but also complex, as it can either reinforce or challenge inherited political beliefs.

Street Demonstrations as a Mode of Political Participation

Milbrath's initial perspective on political participation did not consider street demonstrations as a legitimate mode of political participation.
Later perspectives challenged this view, recognizing the legitimacy of diverse modes of political expression, including street demonstrations.

Inequalities of Politicization

Inequalities of politicization can be explained by factors such as:
- Socio-Economic Status (SES)
- Educational Level
- Social Environment
- Cultural and Religious Factors
- Media Exposure

Lack of Interest in Politics

Factors contributing to citizens' lack of interest in politics include:
- Low Political Efficacy
- Lack of Relevance
- Distrust in Political Institutions
- Political Apathy
- Ineffective Civic Education

Group Membership and Political Participation

Belonging to a predetermined group can be conducive to political participation due to:
- Sense of Identity
- Collective Efficacy
- Solidarity
- Mobilization
- Shared Goals

Voting Behavior

People vote for various reasons, including:
- Expressing political convictions
- Participating in the selection of representatives
- Legitimizing the government
- Engaging in a ritual that transforms a complex political universe into an intelligible one
Non-voters may choose not to participate in elections due to:
- Indifference to politics
- Intentional refusal
- Perception that the costs of voting exceed the expected benefits

Electoral Geography

Electoral geography focuses on the spatial distribution of electorates, examining how political, social, cultural, and local contexts influence voting behavior.
It emphasizes the geographical patterns of voting, providing insights into the diverse factors that shape electoral outcomes at different territorial levels.

Predicting Voting Behavior

Predicting how people will vote involves considering factors such as:
- Social class
- Religion
- Individual preferences
Various analytical models, such as electoral geography, sociological models, and economic approaches, attempt to understand and predict voting behavior.

The Individual and Rational Voter

The individual and rational voter concept suggests that voters act as rational actors, seeking to maximize their gains and minimize costs when making electoral decisions.

People participate in collective action for various reasons, including:
- Addressing relative frustrations
- Expressing dissent
- Advocating for social change
Social movements are organized, collective efforts by groups of individuals who come together to promote or resist social change.

Mobilization Entrepreneurs

Mobilization entrepreneurs play a key role in initiating and organizing collective action within social movements, mobilizing resources, coordinating efforts, and strategically choosing modes of action.

Public Policy

De ning a public policy is challenging due to its varied nature across time and space.
Laswell's definition of public policy highlights the social dimension, emphasizing the allocation of resources or constraints for individuals.
Public policies are diverse due to variations in their content, objectives, and contexts across different regions and time periods.There is no meaningful text provided, and the text appears to be random characters and formatting symbols. Therefore, it is not possible to create study notes based on this text. If you can provide a meaningful text or a list of questions, I would be happy to assist you in creating study notes.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the differences between Substantialist, Institutionalist, and Relational approaches to power, including their views on possession, institutions, and authority distribution.