Legal Definitions - political power

Political power refers to the authority or ability to influence and control the actions and policies of a government or state. It is the capacity to shape decisions that affect the entire community or "body politic."

• Example 1: When the President of a country signs a new law, they are exercising political power. Their signature transforms a proposed bill into a binding legal requirement for all citizens, directly influencing the nation's activities.
• Example 2: A group of citizens organizing a successful petition drive to demand a change in local zoning laws demonstrates political power. While they don't hold official government positions, their collective action and influence compel elected officials to consider and potentially act on their demands.
• Example 3: A major political party, by winning a majority of seats in the legislature, gains the political power to set the legislative agenda, appoint committee chairs, and largely control the passage of new laws, thereby directing the state's functions.

Sovereign political power describes authority that is absolute and independent within its designated area. Within its specific limits, this power operates without needing approval from, or being subject to, any other authority recognized within the constitutional system. Its decisions cannot be prevented or overturned by another power.

• Example 1: The power of a nation's highest court to issue a final ruling on the interpretation of its own constitution is an example of sovereign political power. Once the court makes its decision, no other domestic body can legally overrule or annul that interpretation within that country's legal framework.
• Example 2: A country's national legislature holds sovereign political power when it declares war. This decision, made within its constitutional authority, is not subject to review or reversal by any other internal governmental body or external entity within its own system.
• Example 3: The ability of a fully independent nation-state to control its own borders and immigration policies represents sovereign political power. It can decide who enters and exits its territory without external governmental interference in that specific domain.

Subordinate political power refers to authority that, while operating within its own sphere, is subject to some degree of external control or oversight. This means there is a higher constitutional power that can prevent, restrict, direct, or even cancel its actions.

• Example 1: A city council's power to pass local ordinances (like noise restrictions or building codes) is a form of subordinate political power. These ordinances can be challenged in state courts or even overridden by state laws if they conflict with broader state regulations.
• Example 2: A state governor's authority to issue executive orders is subordinate political power. While powerful within the state, these orders must comply with both the state's constitution and federal laws, and they can be challenged or overturned by the state legislature or courts.
• Example 3: A federal agency's power to create regulations (for instance, environmental protection rules) is subordinate political power. These regulations must adhere to the laws passed by Congress, and they can be reviewed, modified, or even revoked by Congress or the courts if found to exceed the agency's delegated authority.