PO111 Study Guide - Politics Among Nations, Democratic Ideals, Mixed-Member Proportional Representation

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Document Summary

Power: politics always involves the exercise of power. Power is the ability of one actor (or group) to impose his/her will on others. For example, some individuals or groups win out over others power may be difficult to track. Power can also be described as hard (force) or soft (manipulation). This is important because in the end someone gets what they want. Politics is also about who, what and why but can sometimes be difficult to see because there are different ways of exercising power. Coercion others submit involuntarily because of use of force, intimidation and psychological pressure (does not always have to be physical) e. g. bill 115 on teachers, taxes. Authority others consent to your exercise of power, thus the exercise of power is legitimate (traditional, charismatic, legal rational) Influence you sway the opinions and preferences of others, influence the way they think about an issue.