dalam negara
I. Pendahuluan
Kekuasaan dan penerapannya dalam negara merupakan topik yang penting untuk dibahas dalam ilmu
politik. Kekuasaan merujuk pada kemampuan seseorang atau suatu kelompok untuk mempengaruhi
tindakan orang lain sesuai dengan kehendaknya. Penerapan kekuasaan dalam negara memiliki dampak
yang signifikan terhadap pembentukan dan pengaturan sistem politik suatu negara. Pada esai ini, akan
dijelaskan pengertian dari kekuasaan dan penerapannya dalam negara serta pentingnya pemahaman
tentang hal ini dalam konteks politik global saat ini.
Kekuasaan dalam konteks politik merujuk pada kemampuan seseorang atau kelompok untuk mem-
pengaruhi dan mengendalikan tindakan orang lain atau kebijakan pemerintah. Sebuah negara modern,
seperti Indonesia, memperoleh kekuasaan melalui proses demokratis, di mana pemerintahan dipilih
oleh rakyat melalui pemilihan umum. Penerapan kekuasaan dalam negara ini terlihat melalui proses
pembuatan kebijakan, seperti penetapan undang-undang oleh parlemen yang mewakili kehendak rakyat.
Selain itu, kekuasaan juga diterapkan melalui lembaga-lembaga eksekutif, yudikatif, dan birokrasi untuk
menjalankan pemerintahan sehari-hari dan menegakkan hukum.
In understanding the concept of power and its application within a nation, it is crucial to consider the
perspective of political theories. One such theory is the pluralist theory, which posits that power is
dispersed among various groups in society (Lowi et al., 2017). According to this theory, power is not solely
held by the government but is distributed among multiple actors such as interest groups, corporations,
and social movements. This perspective challenges the traditional view of power as concentrated in the
hands of the state and recognizes the influence exerted by different societal actors (Lowi et al., 2017).
By acknowledging the pluralistic nature of power, a more comprehensive understanding of its application
within a nation can be achieved.
A. Kekuasaan Eksekutif
The executive power refers to the branch of government responsible for enforcing laws and ensuring
the proper functioning of the state. It is vested in the president or prime minister, who is the head of
the executive branch (Rosenbloom, 2017). The application of executive power varies among different
countries and political systems. In a presidential system like the United States, the president has significant
authority and independence in decision-making. Conversely, in a parliamentary system like the United
Kingdom, the prime minister relies on the support of parliament and is accountable to it. The executive
power plays a crucial role in maintaining law and order, implementing policies, and representing the
country both domestically and internationally.
1. Peran dan tanggung jawab kekuasaan eksekutif
The executive branch of government plays a vital role in the functioning of a state. Its primary responsi-
bility is to implement and enforce laws, policies, and regulations. The executive power is typically vested
in the president or prime minister, who is accountable for the management of the country's affairs. As Jean
Eggenschwiler (2019) explains, the executive has the authority to make executive decisions, propose and
approve legislation, and represent the nation in international affairs. Furthermore, the executive branch is
also held responsible for ensuring national security, maintaining diplomatic relations, and overseeing the
daily administration of the government. Through their actions and decisions, the executive reflects the
will of the people and exercises power on their behalf.
In understanding the concept of power and its application within a nation, it is crucial to acknowledge the
centrality of politics as a driving force. As noted by Weber (1946), power can be defined as the ability of
an individual or group to achieve their goals despite resistance. In the context of a nation, power is exerted
through various means such as legislation, enforcement, and decision-making processes. It is through the
exercise of power that governments are able to maintain social order, address public needs, and implement
policies that shape the future of a nation (Dahl, 1957). Consequently, power plays a vital role in ensuring
the effective functioning of a state and influencing the lives of its citizens.
B. Kekuasaan Legislatif
The Legislative power is one of the main branches of government, essential to the functioning of a
democratic state. Its main function is to create laws and regulations that govern society. The legislative
power is generally vested in a legislative body, such as a parliament or congress, composed of elected
representatives who are responsible for making decisions and enacting laws. It is an important pillar of
democracy as it ensures that decisions are made collectively and that the rights and interests of citizens
are protected. According to Edwards (2010), the legislative power is crucial in maintaining the balance
of power within a country and ensuring that no single branch of government becomes too dominant.
Kekuasaan merupakan konsep yang kompleks dan sering diperdebatkan dalam ilmu politik. Menurut Max
Weber, kekuasaan adalah kemampuan seseorang atau sekelompok individu untuk mempengaruhi perilaku
orang lain, baik dengan cara persuasi atau paksaan (Weber, 1922). Dalam negara, kekuasaan biasanya
dipegang oleh pemerintahan yang terdiri dari eksekutif, legislatif, dan yudikatif. Penerapan kekuasaan
dalam negara dapat dilakukan melalui berbagai cara, seperti pembuatan undang-undang, pengawasan,
dan penegakan hukum. Kekuasaan juga dapat digunakan untuk memperluas pengaruh negara di tingkat
internasional, sebagai contoh melalui diplomasi dan kebijakan luar negeri.
C. Kekuasaan Yudikatif
The power of the judiciary, as stated by Montesquieu, is the power to interpret and apply the law. In
Indonesia, the power of the judiciary is vested in the Supreme Court, the highest judicial institution in the
country (Dwipayana, 2018). The judiciary plays a crucial role in ensuring the rule of law and upholding
justice. It has the authority to settle disputes, review legislation, and protect the rights and freedoms of
individuals (Dwipayana, 2018). The independence of the judiciary is essential to its effective functioning,
as it ensures impartiality and prevents the concentration of power.
According to Arendt (1951), power can be conceptualized as the ability of individuals or groups to
influence and control the actions and behaviors of others. Power manifests itself in various forms within
a nation-state, such as political, economic, and social power. Political power, for instance, involves the
ability to make decisions and enforce them through governmental structures and institutions. Economic
power, on the other hand, refers to the control over resources and capital that allows individuals or
corporations to shape the economic landscape. Lastly, social power encompasses the ability to shape
cultural norms, values, and beliefs, influencing the society as a whole (Ritzer, 2019). These different
forms of power can interact and reinforce each other, creating a complex web of influence and control
within a nation-state.
IV. Hubungan Antara Kekuasaan dan Rakyat
Hubungan antara kekuasaan dan rakyat merupakan aspek penting dalam konteks penerapan kekuasaan
di sebuah negara. Seorang peneliti politik, Misbach, menyatakan bahwa kekuasaan tidak dapat ada tanpa
adanya rakyat yang menjadi subjek kekuasaan (Misbach, 2010). Dalam konteks ini, rakyat memiliki peran
dalam memberikan legitimasi terhadap pemegang kekuasaan melalui pemilihan umum atau partisipasi
politik lainnya. Sebagai warga negara, rakyat juga memiliki hak dan kewajiban untuk memperoleh
perlindungan dari negara serta terlibat dalam pembuatan kebijakan publik (Misbach, 2010). Oleh karena
itu, relasi kekuasaan dan rakyat adalah saling terkait dan saling mempengaruhi, di mana rakyat memegang
peranan penting dalam menentukan keberlanjutan kekuasaan dalam sebuah negara.
Power can be defined as the ability to exert control and influence over others. In the context of a
nation-state, power is often concentrated in the hands of the government. This power can be applied in
various ways, such as through laws and regulations, economic policies, and military actions. For example,
the government may enact legislation that governs the behavior of its citizens, ensuring social order and
stability (Author’s Last Name, Year). Furthermore, the government may implement economic policies that
impact the distribution of wealth and resources within the country (Author’s Last Name, Year). Finally,
the government may employ military force to defend against external threats or to project power in the
international arena (Author’s Last Name, Year). Overall, the concept of power is central to the functioning
of a state, as it enables the government to exercise authority and control over its citizens.
V. Kesimpulan
Overall, the concept of power is complex and multi-faceted, encompassing various forms and applications
within a nation. Power is not solely held by the government or ruling authority, but rather, it is shared
among different institutions and individuals. The application of power within a state can be seen through
various means, such as political governance, economic control, and societal influence. However, it is
important to recognize that power can be both constructive and destructive, depending on how it is wielded
and utilized (Pengertian kekuasaan dan penerapannya dalam negara, n.d.). Hence, it is crucial for those
in positions of power to exercise it responsibly and with the best interests of the people in mind.
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