17.1 Power and Authority
Sociologists examine government and politics in terms of their impact on individuals and larger social systems. Power is
an entity or individual s ability to control or direct others, while authority is influence that is predicated on perceived
legitimacy. Max Weber studied power and authority, differentiating between the two concepts and formulating a system for
classifying types of authority.
17.2 Forms of Government
Nations are governed by different political systems, including monarchies, oligarchies, dictatorships, and democracies.
Generally speaking, citizens of nations wherein power is concentrated in one leader or a small group are more likely to
suffer violations of civil liberties and experience economic inequality. Many nations that are today organized around
democratic ideals started out as monarchies or dictatorships but have evolved into more egalitarian systems. Democratic
ideals, although hard to implement and achieve, promote basic human rights and justice for all citizens.
17.3 Politics in the United States
The success and validity of U.S. democracy hinges on free, fair elections that are characterized by the support and
participation of diverse citizens. In spite of their importance, elections have low participation. In the past, the voice of
minority groups was nearly imperceptible in elections, but recent trends have shown increased voter turnout across many
minority races and ethnicities. In the past, the creation and sustenance of a fair voting process has necessitated government
intervention, particularly on the legislative level. The Reynolds v. Sims case, with its landmark one person, one vote ruling, is an excellent example of such action.
17.4 Theoretical Perspectives on Government and Power
Sociologists use frameworks to gain perspective on data and observations related to the study of power and government.
Functionalism suggests that societal power and structure is predicated on cooperation, interdependence, and shared goals
or values. Conflict theory, rooted in Marxism, asserts that societal structures are the result of social groups competing for
wealth and influence. Symbolic interactionism examines a smaller realm of sociological interest: the individuals
perception of symbols of power and their subsequent reaction to the face-to-face interactions of the political realm.