POLS 1000 Study Guide - Midterm Guide: Corazon Aquino, Benigno Aquino Sr., Civil Society

• School: York University
• Department: Political Science
• Course: POLS 1000
• Professor: Janice Newton

Document Summary

Power and authority are two concepts that are central to politics. Rulers are able to enforce their decisions either because they have the power to do or they have the authority to do so. Power is associated with force or any form of coercion. On the other hand, authority is linked with consent. Those with power are able to force those without power to behave in ways they would not choose. However, the systems that rely on the exercise of power are likely to be inefficient and unstable. Such systems will only survive if they are able to impose continually. As libya"s moammar gadhaf found out, the most coercive system cannot hold on to power once the people decided to revolt. Authority may be defined as legitimate power in the sense that rulers gain the acceptance of the ruled not through coercion, but by persuading them to recognize the ruler"s right to exercise power.