“That institution in society that arranges for the distribution of power.”

Max Weber◦ Power

The ability to have one’s own will prevail, even in the face of opposition from others

◦ Authority Legitimate power Consent of the governed

Types of Authority (Weber)◦ Charismatic

Unique personal power of exceptional individuals◦ Traditional

Received from the past Conferred by birthright or higher authority Often unlimited

◦ Rational-Legal (dominant in modern world) Incumbent in the office, not the person

Power by law v. tradition Restricted by explicit, universal, impersonal rules

◦ To what do people consent?

Feudalism (Traditional authority)◦ Kingdoms v. nations◦ Areas of land controlled by royalty◦ Territories awarded to princes/vassals

Fiefdoms In exchange for oath of loyalty to monarch

◦ Princes organized armies Divide up territory among serfs Oath of loyalty

System was legitimated by divine right of kings◦ Power "granted by God"◦ Heirs, blood-lines◦ Majority of people

No voice No mobility

Political Revolutions of late 18th century◦ Revolt against feudalism

◦ Replaced by the nation-state Nation: geographically and politically bounded

territory state: organized apparatus of government within

that territory Rational-legal authority: the state

◦ State: governing body made up of either individuals themselves or their elected representatives

◦ State embodies, carries out, "will of the people“ Power is in the office, not the person Universalistic criteria for advancement Impersonal use of the office

The state is a bureaucratic organization◦ Tool for efficient accomplishment of politically

related tasks How should the state be run?

◦ Determined by parties: “groups of people organized to seize the power of the state”

Types of Democracy◦ Direct

Parties are weak◦ Representative

Too many people, society too complex

◦ Political parties become important◦ Candidates must organize & motivate people to

vote for them “Pluralistic” Democracy

◦ Organizations represent the people’s interests Lobbies PACs

Debate ◦ C. Wright Mills: The Power Elite

Small group has power Military Economy Government

Dwight Eisenhower: Military-industrial complex◦ Robert Dahl: power is pluralistic

All interests have a voice Dominant trends

◦ Declining political participation

◦ Increasing political alienation Mills or Dahl?