Political Institutions

Legitimate power accepted by people

Authority is defined as legitimate power that people accept as fair and justified, unlike mere power which may be forced.

To maintain law and order

Maintaining law and order is one of the primary functions of political institutions, done through police, courts, and laws.

A set of beliefs that create a sense of belonging to a political community

Nationalism refers to symbols and beliefs that give people a sense of being part of a single political community, especially in modern states.

A trade union

Trade unions are listed in the chapter as examples of political institutions because they influence policy and represent people.