Two Forms Of Power In The United States

would not exist. The functions of power range from keeping crime at bay to the more

Power is defined as “the possession of control or command over others; authority...” (Dictionary.com), and all people have power, whether they notice it or not. Though some employ their power for respectable reasons, often times power is not used in honorable ways. The matter of abuse of authority is prevalent in the story Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck. Steinbeck illustrates that those who have power abuse it exceedingly often, as shown by Curley attacking countless others, including Lennie, a mentally disabled man, Curley’s wife mistreating the men of the ranch, and Curley’s wife making demeaning comments about Crooks, the African American stable buck.

When problems arise in our nation, we are left with a complicated crisis as to whose job it is to do what and who exactly should be taking care of any bad situation that seems to pop up with daily life anywhere in the world, but in this case, America. Certain governmental systems, such as Federalism, can be considered a solution to these crises. Federalism can be defined as the relationship between the individual state governments of America and the national or federal government of the United States; and works to balance the power of a large central government, and the power of the smaller regional governments.

Power: the political power is the ability to shape and control the political behavior of

Modern day power originates from the mind in that we give certain figures power based upon man-made forms of value or worth like money. The definition of power has fluctuated throughout time, and while the past may have emphasized the more violent aspects, today, we have shifted towards a more control based interpretation. Both Michael Foucault and John Berger delve into the idea of power and its functionality. Based on their texts, in our current socio-cultural setting, power is best exploited when the concept behind the power is deindividualized for many purposes, internalized by the people, and integrated throughout society to the point that its origins is mystified.

There are several power types and power bases to consider, but I will describe more those powers that, in my opinion, should increase and extend my current power. By my nature I don’t prefer any power that would encourage any kind of violence as bases for power, any power that would suppress authentic communication and shared decision-making process.

Each of five principles are needed for the American government to function in a way that are best for the people. The principles of popular sovereignty, limited government, separation of powers, checks and balances, and federalism are what keeps the government running as it is.

The United States has had a very turbulent history plagued by power struggles. Historically, those in power have fought to stay in power, while those without have fought back. As far back as the discovery of “The New World” men have sought to have influence over material goods, land, and others. Democracy, as well as who gets representation, has reflected this and has continued to reflect this up to present time. While democracy by definition is a system of government in which everyone gets a say, historically only those considered eligible have had the opportunity to take part. Early on this eligibility was established by the Declaration of Independence signed in 1776 which restricted this eligibility specifically to landowners. Although it did not specifically state that

The U.S Constitution is meant to provide for the people for the common good. In the constitution it promises a safe and free life in america to make sure all is promised the government have rules they must follow. People are served and protected by checks and balances so the each branches has the power to make sure that everyone is doing what they need to be and that no one can have more power than the other. Popular sovereignty which means that the ultimate power belongs to the people and not the government. Separation of powers meaning that there is equality between branches so that there is not just one group that has all the of power.

I think the most significant about the U.S Constitution is the separation of power which consist of the three branches Legislative, Executive and Judicial Branch. The idea came from Baron De Montesquieu he was a political philosopher during the Age of Enlightenment, the purpose of this is to help the individual states from becoming more powerful. A good example for this is the Legislative branch, congress has the power to create laws then they will pass it to Executive Branch where the President make a decision if it’s gonna make our country better. And if the president approves it, then it will become a law. After that, people can test it through the court system and Judicial Branch would be responsible for that. If people think it shouldn’t

The overall theme that has shown itself in all the textual artifacts is, Power is in people. In moving west for gold and exploration, growth in the literal Battle of the Sexes, or the building of a nation. Unity has brought power to the weak and made them great. Today, Americans have lost the unity that once built us. We seem to have opened the gates of hell as we let war consume us and let the People we had once been, crumble and blow away in the wind.

Power and politics have always been around but seldom openly discussed. Power is learned at an early age through family and schools. Ordinary people such as scholars hesitate to talk about power. It is often equated with force brutality, unethical behavior, manipulation, connivance, and subjugation.

Some theorists believe that ‘power is everywhere: not because it embraces everything, but because it comes from everywhere… power is not an institution, nor a structure, nor possession. It is the name we give to a complex strategic situation in a particular society. (Foucault, 1990: 93) This is because power is present in each individual and in every relationship. It is defined as the ability of a group to get another group to take some form of desired action, usually by consensual power and sometimes by force. (Holmes, Hughes &Julian, 2007) There have been a number of differing views on ‘power over’ the many years in which it has been studied. Theorist such as Anthony Gidden in his works on structuration theory attempts to integrate basic

Power is defined as a political action coerced to exercise or to pursuit. It influences and controls the content of political power. The theory of power is argued by Niccolo Machiavelli, Hannah Arendt, and Karl Emil (Max) Weber. Machiavelli’s position stood that power is held by individuals. As for Arendt, she believed power was maintained within groups, while Weber believed power lied in institutions.

The types of power are: interpersonal power , legitimate, referent power , expert power , reward power , coercive power.