What is power?This phenomenon is concerned not only theorists of political science, but also many others, including politicians and ordinary mortals.This concern is understandable, because this phenomenon is associated with the position occupied by an individual or group in the pyramid of society.
approach to understanding
classic definition says that the government - a combination of the techniques and methods that allow one to control others.And the techniques and methods, usually expressed in the three classical forms: the right, authority, and / or violence.Needless to say, that they can complement and sometimes interchangeably.This clearly demonstrates the process of historical development of the phenomenon.
Thus, according to political scientist Maurice Duverger, in its formation power manifested in four main ways.The first of them was called anonymous or spray.Its spread she had at the earliest stage of human civilization, and, in fact, belonged to all.The second - is individualized.It is naturally transformed from an anonymous, as evidenced by a formation of the Council of Elders, then - leader after - the monarch.The modern stage of development of power as a social phenomenon is called institutionalized.This is a unique fusion of the first two forms: the power theoretically belongs to all, and in fact - specific institutions of society, such as parties.Also today there is a kind of type - supranational authority.This phenomenon is characterized by the ability to influence the processes taking place in society, formed within the territory of one state, have supranational organization.
Each of the four species had before a specific set of tools, which defined types of power, both political and otherwise.
Forms power
basic division of power, including political, carried out on the basis of its compliance with legal settings in the community and in the country.So are two types: legal and illegal.It should be noted that in this case, the legitimacy can not be associated with the legitimacy.For example, to use the entire range of its capabilities, the party could seize power in the state is absolutely legally.But this approval of the people she does not get that automatically leads to its illegitimacy.In this regard, it is appropriate to conduct aforesaid division of legal, illegal and legitimate.
second division of power is carried out on the turf.So, generally considered the state, market, political.Market power - a set of techniques that allow you to take a leading position in the economy.The political - it is an opportunity to influence the opinion of everyone in society.The state is - a kind of politics, in which the effect can be one or all of the above methods.
third division inherent in the main state power as a subspecies, but given the value of this type, it plays a significant role.As a rule, release two features: on the subject of power and the way of its realization.On the subject of the division it is carried out, depending on the powers and accessories subject to them.
But value for jurists, sociologists and political scientists still represents the division by the process of realization: the democratic power and undemocratic.The first case involves the use of legitimate methods of influence - right legal coercion and deserved authority.With regard to the second of legitimacy can not be considered.The most striking example is the absolute power.This statement is based on the fact that one entity at its discretion governs the lives of all the others.However, the latter case is still rare in the modern world against the undemocratic power is characteristic of totalitarian, extremist-religious and authoritarian type.
Thus, the power - it is still a means to achieve the objectives, it does not matter on what kind of scope it covers.
