Correct option is D
The correct answer is 4. A, C, E Only.
Introduction
Power is a central concept in political science and sociology, referring to the ability to influence or control the behavior of others, even against their will. Sociologists and political theorists have identified several sources from which power is derived within a political system. While many factors can contribute to an individual's or group's ability to exert influence, three core sources are widely recognized as fundamental: prestige, force, and authority.
Information Booster
The three basic sources of power in a political system are:
A. Prestige: Prestige is power that comes from respect, honor, and social standing. A person or group with high prestige has the ability to influence others because they are admired, trusted, or seen as a role model. Their opinions and actions carry weight not because of coercion or formal position, but because of the positive regard in which they are held. This is a form of power that relies on voluntary compliance based on admiration.
C. Force: Force is the most direct and brutal source of power, derived from the ability to use coercion, violence, or threats to compel obedience. In a political system, this is most commonly seen in the use of police, military, or other state-sanctioned violence to enforce laws, suppress dissent, or maintain control. This type of power does not rely on consent but on the fear of negative consequences.
E. Authority: Authority is a type of power that is legitimate and recognized by those who are subject to it. It is power that is granted through a formal position, a set of rules, or a tradition. Sociologist Max Weber famously identified three types of authority:
Traditional Authority: Power based on long-standing customs and traditions (e.g., a monarchy).
Rational-Legal Authority: Power based on a system of laws and rules (e.g., a president or a police officer).
Charismatic Authority: Power based on the exceptional personal qualities of a leader (e.g., a revolutionary leader).
B. Class and D. Influence are related to power but are not considered basic sources in the same way. Class (economic position) can be a basis for acquiring power, as those with more wealth often have more political sway. However, it is an underlying condition rather than a direct source of power itself. Influence is a broader term that describes the exercise of power rather than a source of it. All sources of power—prestige, force, and authority—are used to exert influence. Therefore, influence is the result or manifestation of power, not its fundamental origin.
Additional Knowledge
The distinction between power and authority is crucial. Power is the ability to get what you want, whereas authority is the legitimate right to do so. In a stable political system, authority is often preferred over force because it leads to voluntary obedience, which is more predictable and sustainable than compliance based on coercion.
The interplay between these sources of power is complex. A charismatic leader might first gain power through prestige (admiration), then formalize it into a political position with authority, and use force to protect that position from rivals. Conversely, a state that relies too heavily on force without the legitimacy of authority risks rebellion and instability. The balance and combination of these three sources determine the nature and stability of any political system.
English
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