Political Behavior

Scope Note

General statements dealing with several specific types of political behavior. Since informal mechanisms of social control do not operate effectively above the level of the community, all government at higher levels depends upon the authority and power to supplement such mechanisms with organized force. Hence political behavior, as opposed to other forms of social behavior, is characterized by the exercise or manipulation of such power, or the striving for it, as a means of accomplishing goals by force or the threat thereof.