SS1 First Term Government Lesson Note – Basic Concept: Power and Authority

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WEEK 3

TOPIC: BASIC CONCEPT

CONTENT:

1. Power:

• Definition of power
• Acquisition and exercise of power.
• Forms of power

2. Authority:

• Meaning of political authority
• Sources of political authority
• Differences between power and authority

SUB-TOPIC 1: DEFINITION OF POWER

Power is defined as the ability or capacity of individuals or group of people to influence the actions and behaviours of others through the use of force. It can also be defined as the ability to influence the behaviours of others through the use of force. It is the capacity to enforce decisions and compel obedience.

ACQUISITION AND EXERCISE OF POWER

Power can be acquired and exercised as follows:

1. THE CONSTITUTION:This is a democratic and popular means of acquiring political power from the people in a country through the conduct of periodic election. It is a formal and legal means of obtaining power by the people that hold political offices in a democratic state.
2. POSITION OF AUTHORITY:People acquire and exercise power by virtue of the post held at a particular point in time. The position held by people usually confers power on them and the power ceases to operate as the person vacates such position of authority. E.g. the President, Governors, School Principals etc.
3. THROUGH FORCE OR COERCION:This is a source of political power acquired through the use of force and violence to overthrow a political post. It is the application of military force to overthrow and acquire a political post through a coup d’etat.
4. THROUGH THE USE OF CHARISMA:This is a means of acquiring power through the exhibition of personal skills, influence, enthusiasm and charismatic trait which is

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