Blog #4

'Power is rooted in the control of coercive force and in the control of the means of production. However, in capitalist societies this reality is not legitimized by rendering the powerful divine, but obscuring their existence.' - Poor People's Movement Article Read this article on the relationship between power and class. Within the political system participation is highly regulated by access to a variety of resources. This article highlights the various barriers to political participation and the use and misuse of power within the government. Read the article attached here.

For your blog this week answer the following questions. Be sure to respond to another student for full credit.

• What were the three major themes from the reading?
• What did you learn about American political institutions?
• How do you see yourself and your family within the framework provided by the author? What does political participation look like in your community?
• What connections, if any, did you find with the article and your own experience of power and powerlessness?