All power has an initial start and some support, otherwise its effectiveness and impact on people lose their effectiveness.These initial principles in political science called sources of power.From the standpoint of the philosopher Max Weber, the power base can be divided into three groups - force or violence, tradition or authority, and, finally, right.It is believed that these three groups correspond to different stages of social development.Gradually the importance of the first component decreases, and the third - is enhanced.Thus it arises and develops such a thing as "legitimacy."Over time it is more based on the principle of the rule of law.
From ancient times to the modern society of different types show us that the sources of power - it is very often the force and its application, including physical violence.However, in any society, power, powers exclusively on violence, was short-lived.In addition, under the force may mean very different things, such as wealth or control over certain resources, due to the ruling clan or party information.Since ancient times, the authorities are also based on the authority - Managing better the one who had more knowledge and experience, who are able to influence people.The authority could be supported by the belief in a special purpose, position, or the magical power of persons who have authority.At the same time in the slave societies were formed such sources of power, as the customs authority of certain individuals, limited their functions or agreements, as well as the will of certain segments of the population (of democracy in ancient Greece or India).
Although feudal society characterized by the strengthening of the role of violence, however, is largely based on customs and arrangements, as well as put forward the ideal of moral authority.The source of the latter is not only belong to the ruling elite and high birth, but also moral values, a carrier and an example which should serve as a ruler.This led to the fact that, since the Renaissance, has become de rigueur to present violence and coercion in the guise of "protecting the virtues."It reflects not only the political cynicism, but that legitimacy increasingly taking legal.Sources of power since the time of the bourgeois revolutions in Europe, on the one hand, based on violence, but on the other - expressed will of the people.
When one of the major sources of power are made not only tradition, authority and will of the people, but the right and the social contract, the share of violence and coercion in public administration significantly reduced.Concern for community, security and self-realization of its members, as well as the stability and efficiency of its social and economic systems have become the main task of the government.Therefore, the use of force becomes residual in nature and takes place in a pinch, and a priority for the modern type of power is subordinated to the conviction knowingly and voluntarily fulfill the obligations of the contract.Sources of power in such a system are very diverse and have a wide base, giving management greater legitimacy.
in the political system of society play an important role as power resources, ie the means and methods it uses in order to achieve our goals in front of you.By such means, in addition to the apparatus of coercion it is an ideology, economy, propaganda and so on.Renowned sociologist Alvin Toffler said that at various stages of development of society the proportion of different types of resources is also changing.If at first dominated by force, and with the development of trade and capital - the wealth in modern society, such resources are information and the man himself - his ability, education, image.Sources and resources of power are essential components of its potential.
