Philippine Politics

and Governance
The objectives for today’s lesson are the
following
1. define power
2. recognize the nature, dimensions, types,
and consequences of power
3. analyze the nature, dimensions, types,
deployments, and consequences of power;
and
4. assess how power is exercised in
different situations
In the previous discussion on the different views on
politics, you have learned that politics also involves
power and the distribution of resources. It is thus seen
as the exercise of authority in the state. Personal
relationships are also characterized by power, whether
you are conscious of this or not. You can notice how
power is practiced in everyday life, even in the most
ordinary situations. In this module, you will be
introduced to the nature and types of power, and
analyze its relevance and consequences in shaping the
structure of different organizations and situations.
 DEFINITION OF POWER
In its broadest sense, POWER is one’s ability to achieve
a desired outcome.
However, in political terms, POWER is the
ability to influence another—the way one
thinks or behaves—in a manner not of his or
her own choosing (Lasswell 1936). It thus
involves one’s capacity to get things done,
and to make someone do something he or she
would not otherwise do.
Political power involves three
interrelated concepts:
legitimacy, authority, and
sovereignty.
 Legitimacy refers to the
people’s perception that
their government rules
rightfully, and thus must be
obeyed.
 Sovereignty, on the other
hand, speaks of the ability of
a national government to be
the sole leader, which has the
last word of law in that
society.
Lastly, Authority is seen as
the political leader’s ability
to command respect and
exercise power.
 Power comes in different
faces or dimensions. It can be
considered as decision-
making, agenda setting, or
thought control.
Power and authority are usually
used interchangeably. In political
science, authority is legitimate
power. When the exercise of power
by a leader is recognized and is
accepted by those he or she
governs, such is considered as
legitimate power.
 Power is considered
as authority when it is
recognized as
legitimate.