The Various Degrees of Political Power

To better handle the political arena of the Information Era, one must heavily endorse themselves in exposing their minds to various views and interpretations of current political systems or affairs. Many might ignore or be naive of the following fact, but politics is the study of power “of”, “for” and “over” the people. These three factors are imperative for embracement, as they are the preludes to entire categories that are politically relevant and essential to understanding the various faces of politics.

Power of the people has always existed and has proven to be an indisputable force that must not be reckoned with. Yet, the majority do not understand the power they have, as they view power from an individualistic sense and not from a collectivist angle. For, the power of the people lies in their numbers. The more they swell up, the stronger their resistance is against any tyrannical state or acts of injustice of an army with guns. However, the organization of the masses, by the so-called right institutions or leaders or Vanguard, is where the messiness of politics can unravel. The disengagement from the craft of politics and the instilling of the political pursuit for survival, is where the line must be drawn for a clean transition of power to be amassed by the people. Politics is not a matter that must be reserved for only politicians but is a matter that involves everyone that wishes to survive in the world. However, the reality of politics as a discipline is only mastered by a few, whom possess the skill, wit and far-sightedness to experiment vehemently within such a massive domain. Today, people are not as engaged, either are they encouraged to be engaged, within political matters, while the conduction of politics is left to individuals that label themselves as politicians but are not qualified to act politically.

When it comes to power for the people, one should determine why for the people and if the people are wishing for such burden or willing to handle such a responsibility themselves. Power is coercive, as it is corrupting. If power is to be conducted for the people, then the politics behind such usage of power must be transparent, in order for it to be justified. Democracies are based on the idea of power for the people, as it is through the people that governments and nations tend to stand. Everything conducted by the State is ought to be done on behalf of the people, as those in power are representatives of the people. They do not just voice the concerns of those they represent within the population, but are also the ones leading the way towards better circumstances. Every action taken within the political spectrum is an act for the people, within proper democratic processes, and not for the interests of the few, which is what is mostly exhibited in the current political stage. To grasp such an idea well and accept it fully, is to ensure the continuity of democratic systems.

Power over the people is more commonly seen and practiced within the political spectrum. For power, in itself, means one dominating another. However, domination varies from one usage to the next. One may dominate another, by gaining superiority over others due to certain skillsets or knowledge spans. The other form would be one dominant over another, due to the strength of their characters and resilience of their behaviour, which distinguishes them as leaders in their own right. The third, not necessarily last, form is, one wishing to impose their will over others, out of self-interest. Power is an inevitable desire that lures the individual within its endless web. However, power that is free from the compulsion of the politicizing of political scheming, is required for power to be used and channelled towards the construction of a society that may adhere to the very concept of growth through, and not under the shadow of, freedom.