Basic Concepts of Government

What is Power?

• Ability to get things done
• Make others do certain things, even unwillingly
• Involves domination by ruler over ruled

Sources of Power

1. Control of Force
   • Physical restraint or coercion via agencies like police, armed forces
   • Used for securing obedience
   • Coercive power is unsustainable
2. Wealth
   • Can be used to acquire political office
   • Wealthy individuals often hold significant power
3. Formal Office or Position
   • Positions like ministers and top civil servants
   • Decisions affecting people's lives
4. Popular Support
   • Power gained through elections
   • Authority to rule without coercion
5. Skill
   • Knowledge and expertise in certain fields
   • Bureaucrats wield power through expertise

What is Authority?

• Power recognized as rightful or legitimate
• Citizens generally regard it similar to children obeying parents
• Cannot be gained through coercion

Sources of Authority

1. Legal Rational
   • Based on system of rulers applied judicially
   • Includes elected officials, police, military
2. Traditional Authority
   • Legitimacy from historical precedence
   • Inherited positions, e.g., Emir of Sokoto
3. Charismatic Authority
   • Based on leader's charisma
   • Followers drawn to leader's personality

Difference Between Power and Authority

• Authority: Recognized, legitimate, citizens must obey
• Power: Not always recognized, can be coerced, citizens may resist

What is Legitimacy?

• Government acting according to constitutional rules
• Accepted norms of society

Factors Determining Legitimacy

1. Periodic Free and Fair Elections
2. Reflecting People's Wishes
3. Respect for Individual Rights
4. Providing Basic Needs
5. Responsiveness and Accountability

Legitimacy and Stability

• Political stability relies on legitimacy
• Lack of legitimacy leads to unrest
• Trust reduces opposition
• Elections provide legitimacy
• Force or election rigging creates instability

Sovereignty

• State's power to make and enforce laws
• Includes internal and external aspects

Types of Sovereignty

1. Legal Sovereignty
   • Law-making authority
2. Political Sovereignty
   • Refers to electorate's will
3. Popular Sovereignty
   • Involves unorganized masses

Location of Sovereignty

• Often debated, especially in complex societies
• In federal systems, power is dispersed

Limitations of Sovereignty

• Constitutional Limitations
• Public Opinion
• Multiple Associations
• International Organizations
• International Law
• Interdependence of States
• International Public Opinion