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Lec 12. Political System

The document outlines an introductory course on Political Science, focusing on political systems, authority, and legitimacy. It discusses various types of political systems including democracy, republic, dictatorship, and communism, as well as the concepts of power and authority as defined by Max Weber. Additionally, it highlights the importance of legitimacy and the factors that contribute to it within political contexts.

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Azowad Abrar Jaheen
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5 views26 pages

Lec 12. Political System

The document outlines an introductory course on Political Science, focusing on political systems, authority, and legitimacy. It discusses various types of political systems including democracy, republic, dictatorship, and communism, as well as the concepts of power and authority as defined by Max Weber. Additionally, it highlights the importance of legitimacy and the factors that contribute to it within political contexts.

Uploaded by

Azowad Abrar Jaheen
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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North South University

Undergraduate Programme
POL 101: Introduction to Political Science

Course Teacher

Saifuddin Ahmed (SuA2)

Associate Professor

Department of Peace and Conflict Studies

Dhaka University

E-mail:saifuddin.ahmed@northsouth.edu

1
Political System
A political system is a system of politics and government.

This involves the questions of -


➢ who should have authority and
➢ what should be the government's influence (authority) on its
people and economy.
Political System Model
System Theory (David Easton, 1965)

Social, Economic and Political Environment

Conversion Process
Input Government Output
Demand Decision makers Decisions
Apathy Actions
Support

Feedback

Social, Economic and Political Environment

4
Easton's behavioral approach to politics, proposed that a political system
could be seen as a delimited (i.e. all political systems have precise
boundaries) and fluid (changing) system of steps in decision making.

There are five steps:

Step 1: Input -

Step 2: Conversion Process or Decision Making Process

Step 3: Output -

Step 4: Feedback –

Step 5: Environment - Social, Economic and Political Environment


WHO CAN GIVE INPUT
DECISION/ACTION FOR WHOM
WHO CAN GIVE FEEDBACK
?
This refers to the individuals or groups that can influence the political system by making demands, offering support, or contributing to political
processes. In democratic systems, this could be the citizens through voting, protests, or public opinion.
Types of Political System

4 Types of Political System

1. Democracy
2. Republic
3. Dictatorship
4. Communism
Types of Political System
4 Types of Political System
1. Democracy – who provide inputs ? Actions/ decisions from whom/ Who
give feedback?

Democracies are based in principles and values, not necessarily common practices.
There are two types:
A. Direct Democracy
B. Representative Democracy
Direct Democracy - Each citizen has an equal say in government operations, such as town
hall meetings where residents vote on government business. Many states make changes to
laws according to the vote of the people through ballot initiatives or referenda.

Representative Democracy - As in the United States, citizens elect representatives who make
laws.

A basic tenant of a democracy is the system of free and fair elections, in which all citizens of
legal age may participate.
Types of Political System

2. Republic - who provide inputs ? Actions/ decisions from whom/ Who give
feedback?

In a republic, power rests with the people. a republic is a government that excludes a
monarch.

Leaders are elected, rather than appointed or inherited


Many republics in the 19th century were established to displace monarchs.
Types of Political System

3. Dictatorship - who provide inputs ? Actions/ decisions from whom/ Who


give feedback?

A dictatorship is an authoritarian form of government, with one individual holding absolute power in ruling the
country and enforcing the law. Dictators are often democratically elected, but then change the political system
to ensure they remain in power. Additional aspects of dictatorships include:

Military Backing - Military dictatorships have a figurehead leader backed by a military


organization, or the military holds an inordinate amount of power throughout the government.

No individual voice - In a dictatorship, the governed have no say in their government.


Elections may be held, but the dictator is often the only candidate.

Human rights violations - To secure their power and control the citizenry, dictators frequently
remove basic individual rights, such as freedom of speech and freedom to assemble. Those
opposed to the government are often harshly punished or even executed.
Types of Political System
4. Communism - who provide inputs ? Actions/ decisions from whom/ Who
give feedback?

Communism refers to the political ideology of common ownership of the means of production,
where goods and products are shared by all in the society.

Communism includes these concepts:

A classless society - All means of production are owned communally, private property is
abolished and wage labor is eliminated. Resources are collected and redistributed to others.

Collective leadership - In communist countries, the power and function of government are
often shared by a single group.

Distribution based on need - An abundance of goods produced by the collective leadership


group is gathered to satisfy everyone’s needs.

Lack of personal freedom - In many communist systems, citizens have no say in the work
they do or where they live.
Who provide inputs ?
Actions/ decisions for whom?
Who give feedback?

He who has power/ authority/ right to provide INPUT and


assess the ACTION/ DECISION and to give FEEDBACK

All these ‘WHO’ and ‘WHOM’ is the AUTHORITY


It is very important.
Basic Concepts of Politics
BASIC POLITICAL CONCEPT

Authority Legitimacy

14
Authority

Legal and/ or Legitimate Power

Distribution of authority/power varies from society to society


In general power is “ability to do something”.

In social science and politics, power is the ability to


influence or outright control the behaviour of people.

Authority is “the power or right to command”


Power is a factor of all social relations, particularly
the political relations. It is present in every society.
However, its distribution differs from society to
society.
Based on social variation
3 forms of authority is found (Max Weber)

1. Traditional authority
2. Charismatic authority
3. Legal authority (Legal-rational authority)
1. Traditional Authority

The ability and right to rule is passed down, often through


heredity.

It does not change overtime, does not facilitate social


change, tends to be irrational and inconsistent, and
perpetuates the status quo.

Example: British Kingdom


2. Charismatic Authority

Charismatic authority is found in a leader whose mission


and vision inspire others.

It is based upon the perceived extraordinary


characteristics of an individual.

Weber saw a charismatic leader as the head of a new


social movement, and one instilled with divine or

supernatural powers, such as a religious prophet.


3. Legal authority (Legal-rational authority)

Legal-rational authority is empowered by a formalistic belief in


the content of the law (legal) or natural law (rationality).

Obedience is not given to a specific individual leader - whether


traditional or charismatic - but a set of uniform principles.

Weber thought the best example of legal-rational authority


was a bureaucracy.

This form of authority is frequently found in the modern state,


city governments, private and public corporations, and various
voluntary associations.
Legitimacy

Legitimacy is a matter of degree

The belief of the large number of the people that the


“authority” has authority over them (people).
Sources of Legitimacy

➢ Legitimacy by result (economic property, stability &


security)

➢ Legitimacy by habit

➢ Legitimacy by historical, religious or ethnic identity

➢ Legitimacy by procedure (democratic election)


Power and Authority
is the result of
Political Culture and Socialization
?
Thank You

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