3 Political Leadership Free Online FlashCards

What is political leadership?

Political leadership is influencing people and coordinating collective action around public goals.

What does power mean in politics?

Power is the capacity to influence others or shape outcomes.

What can give a political actor influence?

Influence can come from formal position, resources, expertise, reputation, personal ties, shared identity, collective organization, coercion, or incentives.

What constrains leaders in political institutions?

Institutional leaders act within established rules and offices; their decisions are constrained by laws, procedures, other offices, and the need to maintain support.

What roles do leaders perform in political movements?

Movement organizers recruit and coordinate participants, spokespersons communicate demands, strategists choose tactics, and local leaders build trust and participation.

How do formal and informal leaders differ?

Formal leaders draw authority from an office or role; informal leaders gain influence through relationships, expertise, reputation, or mobilizing others.

How does directive leadership work?

A directive leader makes decisions centrally and gives clear instructions; this can coordinate rapid action but may limit participation and overlook local knowledge.

What factors support a fair comparison of political leaders?

Compare leaders by their authority, influence, resources, decision-making, legitimacy, accountability, and ability to produce durable change rather than short-term compliance.

What distinguishes authority from power?

Authority is power recognized as a right to make decisions or give direction.

What is political legitimacy?

Legitimacy is the belief that an authority is rightful or acceptable.

How does participative leadership work?

A participative leader invites discussion and shares some decision-making, which can build trust and commitment but may take time or leave disagreements unresolved.

How does delegative leadership work?

A delegative leader gives members substantial independence within broad goals, encouraging initiative but risking unclear responsibilities if coordination is weak.