3.4. POLITICS

Political institutions are concerned with the distribution of power in society. Two concepts, which are critical to the understanding of political institutions, are power and authority. Power is the ability of individuals or groups to carry out their will even when opposed by others. It implies that those who hold power do so at the cost of others. There is a fixed amount of power in a society and if some wield power others do not.

Political institutions determine who has power and how that power is distributed across society. Power is defined as the ability of an individual or group to enforce their will, even if someone else opposes it. This means that when one person or group holds power, there are others who do not possess it. Power can be seen in various relationships, such as between parents and children, teachers and students, or government officials and citizens. Understanding power is essential because it highlights the dynamics of control and influence in society.

Think of a classroom where the teacher sets the rules and controls the classroom activities. The teacher has the power to decide what students can do and how they will behave. However, this power is only effective because the students agree to follow the teacher’s authority. If the students decided not to follow the rules, the dynamic of power would change.

But how is this ‘power’ applied to achieve its aim? Why do people comply with others’ commands? Answers to these questions could be found with reference to a related concept of ‘authority’. Authority is that form of power, which is accepted as legitimate, that is, as right and just. It is institutionalised because it is based on legitimacy.

Authority is a specific type of power that people view as legitimate. Unlike mere power, which can be enforced through coercion, authority is accepted voluntarily by the people. This recognition of legitimacy can stem from laws, social norms, or traditions that shape how individuals and groups view those in charge. For example, we follow the laws set by the government because we believe they are right and have been created fairly.

Imagine a bus driver who enforces rules about safety, such as wearing a seatbelt. The passengers comply not just because they are afraid of the driver, but because they understand that these rules exist for their safety and trust the authority of the driver to command those rules legitimately.

A state exists where there is a political apparatus of government (institutions like a parliament or congress, plus civil service officials) ruling over a given territory. Government authority is backed by a legal system and by the capacity to use military force to implement its policies.

The state refers to the structured government that has established authority over a specific area. It consists of various institutions such as parliaments, legal systems, and bureaucracies. The state's power is reinforced by laws it creates and, when necessary, by military force to ensure compliance with its rules and policies. This organized system allows for governance over people and territories and is critical for social order and public safety.

Consider a city governed by a mayor and a city council. They create rules (like traffic laws) that must be followed by all residents. If someone breaks these laws, the police—backed by the legal system—can enforce penalties. This is an example of how the state uses its authority to maintain order.

Citizenship rights include civil, political and social rights. Civil rights involve the freedom of individuals to live where they choose; freedom of speech and religion; the right to own property; and the right to equal justice before the law.

Citizenship confers certain rights and responsibilities upon individuals within a state. Civil rights enable citizens to act and interact freely within society without unjust impediments. They include fundamental freedoms like speech, religion, and property ownership. Understanding these rights is vital because they empower individuals to participate fully in community life and guard against oppression.

Imagine living in a country where you could express your opinions freely without fear of punishment. For example, if you want to participate in a protest advocating for climate action, you can do so under the protection of your civil rights. This kind of freedom is essential for a healthy democracy.

Nationalism can be defined as a set of symbols and beliefs providing the sense of being part of a single political community. Thus, individuals feel a sense of pride and belonging, in being ‘British’, ‘Indian’, ‘Indonesian’ or ‘French’.

Nationalism fosters a common identity and sense of belonging among people who share shared characteristics, such as culture, history, and language. It instills pride in belonging to a nation and encourages individuals to work for the common good of that nation. Nationalism can unify people but can also create divisions when it leads to the exclusion of others who do not share the same identity.

Think about national holidays like Independence Day or national sports events like the Olympics. These occasions encourage citizens to rally together, showing pride in their nation and supporting their teams or history, which fosters unity among diverse populations.

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