Five Bases of Power In Politics - Coercive Power, Reward Power, Legitimate Power, Referent, and Expert Power - Essay Example

The paper “Five Bases of Power In Politics - Coercive Power, Reward Power, Legitimate Power, Referent, and Expert Power" is a  persuading example of an essay on politics. Power and politics are broad and diverse aspects of any given state. The basis of power and politics may be specific to the governing principles of different states, but there are common structures and variables that define power and the political arena across states around the world. The basic objective of any political regime is to promote that which the society perceives right. In this regard, the rights and freedoms of individuals and the entire population at large must be upheld. Power is divided into different forms, specifically as per the provisions of French and Raven.

French and Raven identified five different bases of power. They coercive power, reward power, legitimate power, referent power and expert power (Stewart & Haugaard, 2012, p.648). In light of the United States, power and politics are two critically related variables in governance. The U.S President, Barack Obama is the head of the world’s superpower state in the world.  French and Raven’s bases of power can be assessed in the context of President Obama. It is important to consider what each of the bases of power entails and then apply the relevant bases in the case, Obama.

Coercive power relates to forceful acts against people. This means that individual therefore is forced to act against his or her own will. In other words, this power is dictatorial, and its consequences are more or less unlikely, although this power is primarily aimed at achieving compliance. Reward power entails compensation for a deed done. In most cases, this power is characterized by getting a person(s) to do something for compensation in exchange. Legitimate power is one that is backed up by-laws, rules, and regulations. The authority therein is clearly defined. Charisma best describes referent power, given the characteristic urge to be like somebody else, for instance, celebrities. Finally, expert power is that power that results from knowledge and skills (Stewart & Haugaard, 2012, p.691). The person from whom the knowledge and skills are demanded exhibits expert power.

Prior to the five bases of power presented above, President Obama exhibits a number of them (Stewart & Haugaard, 2012, p.703). The most common base of power applicable to President Obama is legitimate power. Obama was elected among other presidential aspirants in a U.S presidential general election.  His election took place within the provisions of the U.S constitution. His power, therefore, is backed up by the law that gives him relevant power and authority in governance and administration.

President Obama also exhibits expert power. His knowledge and skills in leadership are outstanding. This is seen through the enormous programs he has introduced in a bid to reform the healthcare sector. His aim is to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of the healthcare system, reaching out to the American population universally. Another principle power characteristic of President Obama is coercive power. The President can make a firm decision that is less likely to be influenced by another party. In other words, there are aspects of dictatorship just enough for administration and governance. Referent and reward powers are less exhibited by President Obama, although from time to time they may be evident, though in less or least margins (Stewart & Haugaard, 2012, p.717).