Government, Economy, and Power Structures (9A) - MCAT Psychological and Social Foundations

Legitimate power recognized as rightful by those who are governed. Distinguishes authority from raw power by emphasizing acceptance.

Capacity to influence others or control resources, even against resistance. Broader than authority; includes ability to act despite opposition.

Public belief that a government and its actions are proper and justified. Essential for stable governance; citizens accept the system as valid.

Power based on punishment or the threat of force. Relies on fear and negative consequences to ensure compliance.

Power based on material rewards such as money, jobs, or benefits. Motivates through tangible incentives and economic advantages.

Power based on shared norms, values, and social approval. Derives from moral authority and cultural consensus.

Power is spread across competing interest groups; no single elite dominates. Contrasts with elite theory by emphasizing multiple power centers.

Economic class conflict drives inequality; owners control institutions. Views power through lens of bourgeoisie vs. proletariat struggle.

Formal organization with hierarchy, specialization, rules, and impersonality. Weber identified these features as defining modern organizations.

Authority derived from laws, formal rules, and offices. Modern societies' dominant form; power comes from position, not person.

Authority based on customs, long-standing practices, and inherited status. Common in monarchies and tribal societies; "we've always done it this way."

Authority based on perceived extraordinary traits of a leader. Often unstable; depends on personal magnetism rather than institutions.

Political system in which power is derived from the people’s participation. Citizens choose leaders through voting and civic engagement.

System with concentrated power and limited political freedoms. Restricts opposition but may allow some private freedoms.

System seeking extensive control over public and private life. Goes beyond authoritarianism to control all aspects of society.

Private ownership of production with market-based allocation of resources. Markets determine prices; profit motive drives economic activity.

Greater collective or state role in ownership and distribution of resources. Aims to reduce inequality through public control of key industries.

Classless system with common ownership and distribution by need. Marx's ideal: "from each according to ability, to each according to need."

Surplus value. Marx's term for profit extracted from workers' unpaid labor time.

Private ownership of production with profit-driven markets. Individuals/corporations own businesses for profit.

Marxist conflict theory. Marx saw history as struggle between bourgeoisie and proletariat.

Democracy. Citizens elect representatives to make decisions.

Legitimate power accepted as appropriate by those subject to it. Authority is power that people view as rightful.

Formal hierarchy with rules, specialization, and impersonality. Bureaucracies organize work through standardized procedures.

Authoritarianism. Authoritarian regimes restrict opposition and civil liberties.

Ability to influence others and control resources despite resistance. Power exists even when others resist, unlike authority.

Prices and production are determined mainly by supply and demand. Market forces, not government, guide economic decisions.

Rule by a small group that holds concentrated power. Few individuals control political and economic power.

Government in which religious leaders and religious law rule. Religious doctrine serves as the basis for governance.