Understanding People's Power in Democracy

Within a democracy, there is the usual loose reference to the term, ‘the people’s power.’ But what does this term really mean? It is described as the capacity of ordinary people to shape decisions that affect their lives by acting collectively rather than relying only on representatives or authorities.

A comparative definition views “people power” as a political slogan which denotes the populist driving force of any social movement that invokes the authority of grassroots opinion and willpower, usually in opposition to that of conventionally organised corporate or political forces.

These two definitions seemingly suggest that democracy can be thought of as the power of the people, as the exercise of governing is meant to be dependable on the will of the people. The will of the people is captured not in individualism but rather in collectivism. The key to collectivism is found when organising takes place. This is a significant point of interest for trade unions, given that their guiding principles require that they work to protect the collective interest of workers, advance workplace rights and improve living standards.

If trade unions are to achieve their aims, objectives and goals, it is imperative that they preach and practice solidarity. Through this means, they will bring workers together to advocate as a unified voice. This lays the platform for engaging in the collective bargaining exercise; the cornerstone of the operations of trade unions.

With a strong bond of unity and solidarity which emerges from trade union organising, there is greater comfort to be had in the representation, agitation and lobbying on behalf of workers as a collective. Moreover, with the strength in numbers, this becomes a powerful factor in the influencing of the decision-making process by the authorities.

Workers can have a sense of empowerment when it comes to the call for promoting social justice and equality of treatment and having the power to take forms of industrial action to have their demands met, especially when the legitimate process of negotiations have failed. The point is to be underscored that power does not only flow top-down from government, boards and employers, but it flows bottom-up where workers are organised and are prepared to bring pressure to bear.

In summary, it is to be understood that the will of the people is the bedrock of a democratic society. It is the primary source of political legitimacy. This means that governments derive their authority from the consent of the governed. The empowerment of people underpins people’s power, from the standpoint that through collective action it holds those who govern accountable, drives social and political change and eliminates the threat of dictatorship.