Who really is in control? The governments are made up of careerists some of whom manage to stay elected to office most of their adult lives,
But do they actually hold any power?
26-30, F
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Individuals don't have much power except to the extent that they can lobby, persuade and vote within the legislative chambers.
Parties as a block have more power.
Ministers and leaders have the most; exactly how much varies depending on the constitution of each state and country.
Governments control the making and amending of laws and regulations. They can control how they gather and spend taxes. They control the armed services (in most countries). They have a large say in control over social safety nets and public services. They can have some (limited) influence on public opinion in so far as they control information about their intentions and actions and the spin they choose to put on these.
In extraordinary situations, specified by the constitution, they can overrule normal limits.
In democratic countries they can't control the judiciary. This is deliberately designed as a means to help prevent overreach, abuse and corruption of power -- but it doesn't always work.
In democratic countries, governments cannot control the press media -- although quite often and increasingly, the media can affect the rise and downfall of politicians.
The media are one of the essential features of a democracy; people cannot vote appropriately unless they are reliably informed.
In this sense, it's up to the citizens to seek out news sources that are backed by proof. Reuters is one of the best.
Governments - and individual politicians - cannot control economics (because of fiscal deregulation), world finances, stock markets, international corporations, religious beliefs, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, droughts, earthquakes, or diseases.
They can control the responses to these events in ways that can make the effects worse, or which can help to soothe, heal, cope and rebuild.
Parties as a block have more power.
Ministers and leaders have the most; exactly how much varies depending on the constitution of each state and country.
Governments control the making and amending of laws and regulations. They can control how they gather and spend taxes. They control the armed services (in most countries). They have a large say in control over social safety nets and public services. They can have some (limited) influence on public opinion in so far as they control information about their intentions and actions and the spin they choose to put on these.
In extraordinary situations, specified by the constitution, they can overrule normal limits.
In democratic countries they can't control the judiciary. This is deliberately designed as a means to help prevent overreach, abuse and corruption of power -- but it doesn't always work.
In democratic countries, governments cannot control the press media -- although quite often and increasingly, the media can affect the rise and downfall of politicians.
The media are one of the essential features of a democracy; people cannot vote appropriately unless they are reliably informed.
In this sense, it's up to the citizens to seek out news sources that are backed by proof. Reuters is one of the best.
Governments - and individual politicians - cannot control economics (because of fiscal deregulation), world finances, stock markets, international corporations, religious beliefs, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, droughts, earthquakes, or diseases.
They can control the responses to these events in ways that can make the effects worse, or which can help to soothe, heal, cope and rebuild.
