Sociology 2240E Lecture Notes - Montesquieu, Organicism, The Principle
12 Nov 2012
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Document Summary
In 1755 he wrote his most famous book called the spirit of laws. Montesquieu was trying to set the stage. 2 things: the nature of government- how power is distributed among persons- all government"s distribute power, some do it differently than others. In most instances the power is covered up or transformed into authority. He says governments also requires principle not just power and authority: the principle of government any government functions because of the average sentiment that motivates most of the population. Difference between power and authority: power is the ability to make someone do something regardless of whether or not they want to. The legitimization of power means some is okay to do and some isn"t. For example, if you try to enforce someone through authority you can"t because your authority cant make you do that if you"re a prof. But if he asks for you to put your cellphone away you will.
