What role does power play in government, economy, and politics?

I would like to say power plays a motivational role in government, the economy and

politics.  If it wasn't for the idea of power, which by definition could mean "ability to

act or produce an effect" or political control or influence", the systems of the

government, economy, politics, etc. would run off individual units rather than one

established group, or authority.  For example, the group that holds power is group one

where the group that follows is group two.  Group one can accomplish more by

providing initiative for others to act.  Others as in, indecisive or softer temperamental

minded people who are considered followers.  This would be group two.  Group two

is a large population ready to rely on a leader with confidence and the clarity to any

system.  Group one could very well open a door or suggest an idea, or provide an

answer that group 2 may not have thought upon nor done so on their own as individual

units. 

There is another aspect that goes along with power, money.  While those who have

power may motivate others and steer them towards a particular decision, money will

also do the same.  It plays a huge role and leads to the question, "Who owns

America's private government?".  The answer seems almost obvious.  Those with

money and power, make decisions on behalf of others.  When doing so, it tends to

lead towards the resulting profit rather than "greatest good", as mentioned in our text,

The Politics of Power.  Ultimately, everyone wants money and some want it to come

with control, but it seems that in some situations, the rich get richer while the poor r

remain poor and almost go poorer. 


power. 2011. In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved Feb2, 2011, from

http://www.Merriam-Webster.com/dictionary/power?show=0&t=1296695460

Katznelson, Ira, Mark Kesselman, and Alan Draper. The Politics of Power 5th ed.

Louisville:Transcontinental Printing, 2006. 35-49.