Where Does Power Reside In Britain?

The first 200 words of this essay...

Thanuseelan Jeyaseelan

Government Politics

Homework

Where Does Power Reside In Britain?

There are a variety of different views on power; who possesses it and how it is exercised. The definition of power is when a person can make someone do something that they would not otherwise necessarily do. The Marxist, Pluralist and Elitist views on power are the ones which have had greatest influence.

Marxists argued that power is held by one particular group. In this case that group is a class; the middle class. They are also known as the 'Capitalist' ruling class or Bourgeoisie, who dominate or have power over the working class who are otherwise known as the Proletariats. Marxists argued that political power comes from economic power, i.e. those with a lot of money have power over those without. The middle classes are argued to be the 'owners' and the working classes argued to be the 'doers'. The working create the base of the capitalist system, they are the relations and means of production. The raw materials, factories, land and machines create this base. The 'petty' Bourgeoisie are seen as being in between the middle class and the working