Power Over

There are many forms of power extant in society. One of the most visible types of power is power over. That is, a person(s) of power holds sway over those possessed of a lesser amount of that power.

This situation manifests itself in numerous ways. A common way would be in a kidnapping. The kidnappers have power over those they intend to extort money from. The origin of this example of power over is likely from the affection the people feel for the kidnapped. They are unwilling to allow or feel responsible for any harm befalling the kidnapped. It is precisely this attachment that keeps the kidnappers in a position of power.

Likewise, in most systems where there are people in "power", that form of power is often power over as well. A government that legitimizes its position through economic success or national stability will have power over the people by threatening them with the loss of their wealth and/or personal security if the people do not cooperate with them. A constant fear of terrorist attacks could cause people to be more willing to sacrifice their personal freedoms, for one. One should thus always be wary of anyone in power exercising power over, lest that power be abused.