5.1.1 Power and Decision-Making

Political Power

How does a person get it? How does he or she keep it? Does one person deserve more power than another? Or should power be shared—and if so, how? Do you feel that you have any power over your own life or the big decisions that affect you every day?

These are the questions that people have asked likely since people began to form social groups.


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Knowledge is power.

Sir Francis Bacon

Even the most ruthless leader depends on the cooperation and voluntary submission of his subjects.

James VanHise

Free election of masters does not abolish the masters or the slaves.

Herbert Marcuse

 
These statements reflect some very different perspectives about the nature of power, leadership, and decision-making as well as the value of democracy. Do you agree with any of them?

Although we in Canada as well as the people of the United States and most of Europe have accepted liberal democracy as the most acceptable form of government, there are other ideas.

Please watch the following video explain "just watch me":

 

 

 "Just Watch Me"- CBC News Archive, 1970. Jeff Vanderk, You-tube.

 




As you read the pages that follow and related textbook passages, take notes about the nature of power and authority as you consider the issue question:
To what extent is liberalism a viable ideology?


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