Power

Power

Power is the ability of a group or individual to get what they want despite and opposition.
Democracy
1. Democracy means government by the people.
2. The opposite to a democracy is a DICTATORSHIP.
3. In a democracy, the power is distributed and is based on authority.
4. Features of a democracy
  1. Freedom of association (TUs)
  2. Range of political parties
  3. The right to a fair trial
  4. Free elections
  5. Free press TV and other media
  6. Freedom of speech
  7. Freedom to protest and demonstrate
  8. Independent legal system and police system
The Welfare State
1. Began shaping in the 20th century under the Prime Minister Herbert Asquith
2. It includes the NHS, means-tested benefits for those that have a low income. It also includes support for the long-term unemployed and disabled.
3. Means-tested: to be able to identify those who are in need of income support.
  1. The claim process is long and complicating, it may put off those who struggle with Maths and English.
  2. It takes into account your savings, so it may discourage people from saving.
  3. People on benefits are often labelled.
  4. Some people that claim benefits fall into a poverty trap, in which paid workers pay LESS than the government benefits. It could lead to a dependency culture.
4. The Welfare State is funded by tax payers.
5. Those who consider themselves on the political left tend to think the state should be the one to take on the most responsibility for the health and wealth of the citizens.
6. Those who consider themselves on the political right tend to think that the INDIVIDUALS should have a greater responsibility for their own wealth.
Political socialization: the process via which we acquire our political beliefs, preferences and values.
The mass media is seen as an important part of political socialization. Power of tabloids, the political broadcasts etc.
The state
1. There are 3 main institutions of the state. 1. Parliament - legislative power 2. Civil services - executive power 3. Judiciary (court) - judicial power
2. There are two views of the role of state: The pluralist approach and the conflict approach.
  1. The pluralist approach
    1. deny media interest
  2. conflict
    1. they do control media interest.
Key terms
1. Power
  1. The ability to get someone or some people to do what you want whether they want to or not
2. Coercion
  1. Involves the threat or actual use of force.
3. Authority
  1. Power that is accepted as legit by hose with no power.
4. Citizenship
  1. a political and legal status linked to rights, active involvement in public life.
5. Charismatic authority
  1. exercise power based on charisma
6. Legal rational authority
  1. power that they hold because of their job
Voting behaviour
1. Parents
2. Social class
3. Occupation
4. Ethnicity
5. Geographical area
Pressure groups
1. There a two different kinds
  1. Insider ( talk to politicians and they listen and are influenced by them (RSPCA)
  2. Outside, they aren't with politicians, not influenced. Fathers 4 justice
Power in the family
1. It has changed over 50 years, especially in working class families.
2. Parents are less strict
3. 2004, any punishment that left physical marks or harm were outlawed

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	Created by sophie.hamilton2 over 10 years ago