ARBITRARY POWER Meaning and
Definition
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Arbitrary power refers to the exercise of authority or control without constraint or justification, often based on personal discretion or whim. It signifies the unrestrained and unregulated exercise of power by an individual or a group, allowing for decisions or actions to be made without regard for reason, established rules, laws, or principles.
In the context of governance and politics, arbitrary power often suggests the absence of checks and balances that are typically present in democratic systems. This type of power is characterized by a lack of accountability, transparency, or accountability to the law, as decisions are made solely at the discretion of those wielding the power. This can lead to a disregard for fairness, justice, and the protection of individual rights and freedoms.
Arbitrary power can manifest in various forms, such as authoritarian or dictatorial rule, where a single individual or a small group wields absolute power without accountability. It can also be found in certain institutions or systems where decisions are made without any clear and justifiable reasoning or legal framework.
Arbitrary power is often seen as antithetical to the principles of democracy and the rule of law, as it undermines the principles of equality, fairness, and impartiality. The arbitrary exercise of power can lead to abuses, corruption, and violations of human rights, suppressing dissent, and stifling democracy. Therefore, the importance of checks and balances, accountability, and the limitation of power is crucial to prevent the potential tyranny of arbitrary power.
Etymology of ARBITRARY POWER
The term "arbitrary power" derives from the combination of two separate words: "arbitrary" and "power".
1. Arbitrary:
The word "arbitrary" originated from the Latin word "arbitrarius", meaning "depending on the will of an arbiter or judge". It subsequently evolved into Old French as "arbitraire" with a similar sense of "at the discretion of an arbiter". The term eventually made its way into English, staying true to its original meaning of something decided or determined subjectively, without any necessary reason or logic.
2. Power:
The term "power" finds its roots in the Old French word "povoir", or the Latin word "potere", both of which mean "to be able". Over time, its meaning expanded to encompass authority, control, influence, or the ability to enforce one's will.
