The election system in the United States allows us to change the balance of power in the national government, every two years, if we choose. The authors of the text define politics as the reference to conflict and conflict resolution in society.
Conflict is always present in society because of three major reasons.
First, there are differences of belief or ideology. Second, there are differences in the perceived goals of the society. The Need for Government and Power Government refers to the institutions that resolve conflicts and allocate values, and possess power to enforce those rules. These institutions require authority, legitimacy, and power in order to accomplish their purpose of resolving conflict. Authority is the feature of a leader or institution that compels obedience.