Philippine Politics and Governance

MODULE 3
Lesson 2: POWER

I. INTRODUCTION

Power is a complex concept. The idea of power is that of being able to influence the actions or
decisions of another, whether through the use of soft power tactics or blatant coercion.
According to Anthony Giddens
• By power is meant the ability of individuals or groups to make their own concerns or interests
count, even where others resist
According to Max Weber
• Power is the probability that one actor within a social relationship will be in a position to carry out
his will despite resistance, regardless of the basis on which this probability rests.
Power is something that controls someone’s mind and action. (Merchant, 2005)
This course introduces the students to the basic concepts and vital elements of politics and
governance from a historical-institutional perspective. In particular, it attempts to explain how the important
features of our country’s political structures/institutions, processes, and relationships developed across
time. In the process, the course helps the learners gain a better appreciation of their rights and
responsibilities as individual and as members of the larger sociopolitical community to strengthen their civic
competence.
Therefore, at the end of the module, the learners are expected to:
A. Analyze the nature, dimensions/types, and consequences of power

We will be proceeding with our lesson proper with the use of the following e-learning platforms:
1. Edmodo;
2. Zoom;
3. Google meet; and
4. Messenger/ messenger chat room

II. ACTIVITY

Directions: SONG ANALYSIS: Watch the video of the children song “Tatlong Bibe”. Please see the
attached link on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eVq-W1BGlY

III. ANALYSIS

Directions: Based on the children song “Tatlong Bibe”. Answer the following questions:
  What is the main content of the song?
 What do you think is the most significant part in the song?
 What power projected in the whole idea of the song?
 How can power exercise in different situations?
 How is power related to the song?

IV. ABSTRACTION

To have deep perspective with regard to the nature of power, let’s watch this video. Please see the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_Eutci7ack
Power is a political concept that explains the phenomena of every political system in a society. By
understanding the nature of power it is necessary to know the relationship of government and its citizens.
Now this is the time to tackle the types of power.

https://sites.google.com/site/germassu/lesson-3---power-types-and-sources

1. Coercive Power- This kind of power involves the usage of threat to make people do what one
desires. In the organizational set up, it translates into threatening someone with transfer, firing,
demotions etc. it basically forces people to submit to one’s demand for the fear of losing
something.
2. Reward Power- As the name suggests, this type of power uses rewards, perks, new projects or
training opportunities, better roles and monetary benefits to influence people. However an
interesting aspect of this type of power is that, it is not powerful enough in itself, as decisions
related to rewards do not rest solely with the person promising them, because in organizations, a
lot of other people come into play like senior managers and board.
3. Legitimate Power- This power emanates from an official position held by someone, be it in an
organization, bureaucracy or government etc. The duration of this power is short lived as a person
can use it only till the time he/she holds that position, as well as, the scope of the power is small as
it is strictly defined by the position held.
4. Expert Power- This is a personal kind of power which owes its genesis to the skills and expertise
possessed by an individual, which is of higher quality and not easily available. In such a situation,
 the person can exercise the power of knowledge to influence people. Since, it is very person
specific and skills can be enhanced with time; it has more credibility and respect.
5. Referent Power- This is a power wielded by celebrities and film stars as they have huge following
amongst masses who like them, identify with them and follow them. Hence, they exert lasting
influence on a large number of people for a large number of decisions; like from what car to buy to
which candidate to choose for a higher office in the country.

https://images.app.goo.gl/iNUg9CxzvU9ga7Gu5

To know more about the consequences of power, try to watch the documentary about Marcos Martial Law
vs. People Power. See the attached link on youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfyzDC-OhmU

Power, when exercised effectively and responsibly, leads to stability in government and society. The
exercise of power by the government is intended to foster a democratic society, develop a democratic
mindset among citizens, and maintain order that enables citizens to thrive and develop.
V. APPLICATION

Directions: ALING NENA IN ACTION! : Make a TIKTOK short skit portraying the life of the social media
character, Aling Nena. About your observations and analysis in the overuse and misuse of power during
this time of pandemic by answering the guide questions provided below.

1. How does the overuse and misuse of power affects to the people?
2. What do you think are the consequences of overuse and misuse of power?

REFERENCES

Liu, Eric (2014). How to understand power? (Ted Ed Video). Retrived from
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_Eutci7ack
Lesson 3: Power Types and Sources (n.d.) Retrieved from https://sites.google.com/site/germassu/lesson-3-
--power-types-and-sources
Power and Consequence (n.d.). Retrieved from
http://changingminds.org/explanations/power/power_consequence.htm#:~:text=There%20is%20als
o%20consequence%20for,of%20power%20in%20the%20future.
Robie317. (2019). Tatlong Bibe Animated. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5eVq-
W1BGlY

Pistot2007, (2011). Marcos Martial Law vs. People Power. Retrived from https://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=jfyzDC-OhmU