An analysis of political power and how it actually functions would be wise at this time. Political power is a relational concept. It is important to understand the distinctions between the different kinds of power. The first distinction is between "coercive" power and "persuasive" power. Coercive power is the kind that is exerted by one physically over another. It assumes one cannot resist such applications of physical force. Coercive power is actually a secondary or derivative form of power, while persuasion is the primary and supreme form. No amount of coercive control can alter the free decisions of other entities; only persuasion can do so. Coercive power is always temporary and likely to double back onto the applicant who is foolish enough to try and use it. It is not exerted in a vacuum, but always by entity A over another entity B. Power requires analysis of both the being exerting power, and the being that power is being exerted upon. To suppose that an entity A, can always successfully control any other entity B is to say, in effect, that B does not exist as a free autonomous individual in any meaningful sense, since there is no possibility of it resisting A if A should decide to press the issue. This is why all dictatorships historically fail given enough time. In political philosophy, the phrase consent of the governed refers to the idea that a government's legitimacy and the moral right to use state power is justified and lawful only when consented to by the people or society over which that political power is exercised. This theory of consent is starkly contrasted with the divine right of kings and has often been invoked against the legitimacy of colonialism.
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