Governmental power Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Home
/ Dictionary
/ Governmental power

⚖️

Add to dictionary

governmental power

[ˌɡʌvərˈmɛnt(ə)l ˈpaʊər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in politics

The authority or control exerted by a government over its citizens or a territory.

Synonyms

government authority, official control, state power.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
governmental power	Use this phrase when discussing the broad range of abilities and rights that a government holds to enact laws, enforce them, and manage public policy. The governmental power to regulate trade helps maintain fair practices in the market
government authority	This term is best used when referring to the recognized right or permission a governing body has to make decisions and enforce rules. Often used in formal or legal contexts. The government authority decided to implement new health regulations to combat the outbreak
state power	Use this term when discussing the power held by a state or national government, especially in contrast to local or individual power. It has a broad connotation and often conveys a sense of authority. State power can intervene in situations where local governments fail to address issues adequately
official control	Use this term when referring to specific, often administrative, control over certain areas or policies. It often implies direct management or oversight. The official control over the city’s transportation system was handed to a new department

Examples of usage

The governmental power is divided among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
Checks and balances are put in place to prevent any one branch from abusing governmental power.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in society

The ability of a government to make decisions, enforce laws, and maintain order within a country.

Synonyms

administrative control, political influence, public authority.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
governmental power	Used to describe the authority and capacity of a government to make and enforce laws, policies, and decisions. The governmental power to regulate commerce is an important aspect of the economy. Checks and balances are designed to limit governmental power.
political influence	Describes the ability of an individual, group, or organization to affect political decisions and policies. Lobbyists often seek to gain political influence to shape legislation. Celebrities can wield significant political influence through their public platforms.
public authority	Denotes an organization or institution that has been granted power by the government to carry out specific functions or services for the public. The public authority is responsible for the maintenance of the city's infrastructure. Transport services are usually regulated by a public authority to ensure safety standards.
administrative control	Refers to the mechanisms and processes through which an organization or government manages its operations and allocates resources. The new procedures will improve administrative control over the budget. Administrative control is crucial for maintaining order within governmental agencies.

Examples of usage

The governmental power is used to ensure the safety and well-being of its citizens.
Without governmental power, there would be chaos and anarchy in society.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The concept of power has been debated since ancient times, with philosophers like Plato and Aristotle discussing the role of leaders in society.
In ancient Rome, governmental power was divided to prevent any one person from having too much control, leading to the development of the Senate and checks and balances.
The Magna Carta of 1215 was a pivotal document that limited the power of the king in England, showing early forms of governance with respect for individual rights.

Political Theory

Social contract theory, proposed by philosophers like Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau, suggests that governmental power arises from the agreement of the governed.
Max Weber categorized authority into three types: traditional, charismatic, and legal-rational, to explain how governments gain legitimacy and power.
The separation of powers theory, established by Montesquieu, argues that dividing government responsibilities into different branches ensures no single group holds too much power.

Cultural Perspectives

In democratic societies, governmental power is derived from the will of the people, who elect representatives to make decisions on their behalf.
Authoritarian regimes, however, centralize power in a single leader or group, often restricting individual freedoms and civil rights.
The concept of governmental power is often expressed in national symbols, such as flags or anthems, which evoke a sense of collective identity and political authority.

Contemporary Issues

In recent years, discussions around governmental power have increasingly focused on the balance between security and privacy, especially after events like 9/11.
The rise of digital governance and e-governments has transformed how governmental power is exercised and accessed by citizens, making services more efficient.
Global politics now frequently debate the power dynamics between governments and international organizations, challenging traditional notions of state sovereignty.

Psychology

Studies show that the perception of governmental power can influence social behaviors, such as conformity and obedience to authority.
Research into power dynamics reveals that those in positions of power may exhibit different decision-making styles compared to those without power.
The psychological effects of governmental power manifest differently in various cultures, influencing how citizens engage with political processes and authority.

Origin of 'governmental power'

The concept of governmental power dates back to ancient civilizations, where rulers and governments held authority over their subjects. Throughout history, the nature and extent of governmental power have evolved, leading to various forms of governance such as monarchies, democracies, and dictatorships. The idea of governmental power is central to the functioning of modern societies, as it dictates how laws are made, enforced, and upheld.