POLITICAL SYSTEM

The study of political systems has been greatly enriched by the contributions of renowned scholars such as David Easton (1965), Robert Dahl (1963), and Gabriel Almond and G. Bingham Powell (1978). Through their theoretical insights, political analysis moved beyond the narrow study of formal institutions to a broader understanding of how power, authority and decision-making operate within society. 

Be that as it may, a political system can generally be defined as the patterned set of political relationships through which authoritative decisions are made and implemented for a society. It encompasses the interactions, processes, and institutions that shape governance and social order. Robert Dahl conceptualizes a political system as any persistent pattern of human relationships that significantly involves power, rule, or authority. Similarly, David Easton views the political system as a system of interactions through which authoritative values are allocated for society. In essence, politics is concerned with who gets what, when, and how—and the political system provides the framework for this distribution.

Not only that, a political system represents a structured arrangement through which society is rendered governable and habitable. It functions as the mechanism that regulates behavior, resolves conflicts and ensures order. Through the political system, societal activities are coordinated, public interests are safeguarded and collective goals are pursued. Key components of this system include political parties and party systems, the arms of government—namely the legislature, executive and judiciary—the various levels of government such as federal, state and local governments, as well as traditional institutions that continue to wield influence in many societies.

In understanding the workings of the political system, David Easton’s systems analysis model is particularly instructive. His analytical framework illustrates how authoritative decisions emerge from societal interactions. According to Easton, the political system operates through a continuous process involving inputs, conversion, outputs, and feedback

David Easton's Political System Model    Source: online

In this model, inputs take the form of demands and support from the environment. Demands may include calls for better welfare services, security, employment, or justice, while support refers to obedience to laws, payment of taxes and participation in civic duties. These inputs are filtered through gatekeepers, such as political elites, institutions and interest groups—before entering the political system. Once admitted, the inputs undergo a conversion process, whereby demands are transformed into authoritative decisions and policies. The outputs are the laws, policies and decisions produced by the government, which are then implemented for the general well-being of society. Feedback from these outputs returns to the environment, influencing future demands and support. This cyclical process underscores the dynamic and responsive nature of the political system.

Features of a Political System

A political system possesses several defining features that distinguish it from other social systems.

First, it must have political structures that clearly define roles, responsibilities, and authority within society. For example, the legislature is responsible for law-making, the executive is tasked with policy implementation and administration, while the judiciary interprets laws and adjudicates disputes.

Second, a political system must have the capacity to make and enforce laws aimed at promoting the collective welfare of the society. Without enforceable laws, social order and stability would be impossible.

Third, a political system must possess a conversion mechanism through which societal demands are translated into authoritative decisions. This process ensures that public needs are addressed through formal political channels.

Fourth, political systems are inevitably characterized by stress, conflict, and crisis. These tensions arise from competing interests, scarce resources and divergent values. However, such conflicts often stimulate reforms, institutional restructuring and political development.

Finally, a political system must have protective mechanisms to safeguard territorial integrity and national sovereignty. This includes the maintenance of security agencies and defense structures to protect the state from both internal disorder and external aggression.

Functions of the Political System

The political system performs several vital functions that sustain societal stability and development.

One of its primary functions is the allocation of scarce resources. Since resources are limited, the political system determines how wealth, opportunities and public goods are distributed among competing groups.

In addition, the political system is responsible for law-making and policy formulation, providing rules and guidelines that regulate individual and collective behavior within society.

Not only that, it performs a protective function by safeguarding the lives and properties of citizens against internal threats such as crime and external threats such as invasion.

Furthermore, the political system performs the function of law adjudication, which involves interpreting laws and resolving disputes. This role is largely carried out by the judiciary, which ensures justice and sanctions offenders.

Almond and Powell’s Functional Classification

At this point, it is important to note that scholars differ in how they categorize the functions of political systems. Almond and Powell offer a more detailed framework by identifying seven key functions performed by political systems.

The first is political recruitment, which involves selecting individuals to occupy political roles, ranging from voters and party members to public officials and leaders.

Second is political socialization, through which the political system shapes citizens’ attitudes, beliefs, and orientations toward politics, fostering political awareness and participation.

Third is political communication, which ensures the flow of information between the government and the people. Citizens must be informed about government policies, while leaders must also understand public needs and opinions.

Fourth is interest articulation, which allows individuals and groups to express demands and preferences on political issues. This function ensures that diverse voices are heard within the political process.

Fifth is interest aggregation, which involves combining and harmonizing various demands into a manageable set of policy alternatives.

Sixth is policy-making, where articulated and aggregated interests are transformed into binding laws and authoritative decisions.

Finally, policy implementation ensures that adopted policies and decisions are effectively executed and translated into practical action.

In the final analysis, the political system constitutes the backbone of societal organization. Through its structures, processes, and functions, it provides a framework for governance, conflict resolution, and collective decision-making. The contributions of scholars such as Easton, Dahl, Almond, and Powell have significantly deepened our understanding of how political systems operate, making the concept indispensable to the study of political science.