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Difficulty: MediumPower: Definition, Sources, Forms, and Acquisition

A military officer seizes control of a national broadcasting station during an unconstitutional uprising and forces citizens to comply with emergency orders under threat of physical sanction. Which form of political concept is directly demonstrated by the officer's control?

  1. Coercive powerAnswer
  2. B
    Legitimate authority
  3. C
    Traditional authority
  4. D
    Legal-rational authority

Answer

Coercive power
Coercive power refers to the capacity to compel compliance through sanctions, force, or threats of violence. Because the officer uses physical force without legal or constitutional recognition, the action exemplifies coercive power.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the mechanism used by the actor to achieve compliance.
The officer enforces obedience using physical threat and unconstitutional force.
Analyzing how compliance is obtained distinguishes power from authority.
2
Match the compliance mechanism to standard political concepts.
Control based on force, threats, and sanctions is defined as coercive power.
Power refers to the ability to compel others despite resistance, whereas authority implies a recognized right to rule.

Key Concept

Power versus Authority (Coercive Power)
Estimated Time:1m 0s
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Topics

Power: Definition, Sources, Forms, and Acquisition

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