Sociologists use the term power to refer to the capacity of people or groups to control or influence the actions of others, whether those others wish to cooperate or not. Sociologists study power to【1】not only who exercises it, but also why it is exercised and who benefits from its use. Of the three main types of desirable—wealth, power, and prestige power is the hardest to measure. Most studies of power are nothing more than an average of【2】about where power is found. Many forms of power are so【3】hidden that only the power holders know their source. Because it is so hard to【4】, and because it is so tied to questions of ideology, the subject of power—who holds it and how it is used—is a source of much【5】in sociology. Some sociologists maintain that power in America is concentrated in the【6】of a few people who have a common【7】and who tend to act together (Lorn-hoff, 1983, 1978). C.Wright Mills (1956)【8】that America is【9】by a 'power elite' and set its total number at no more than 300 people. Other sociologists believe that power in America is【10】among many groups and people (Rose, 1967 Riesman, 1961). Sociologists do agree that real power may not always lie【11】we think it does. The mayors of some cities,【12】, are sometimes mere figureheads who simply look impressive. The actual decisions are made by a handful of business leaders who stay behind the【13】. And some decisions are made at the lowest level, where the work is really【14】. Such is the【15】with the police officer on the beat or the teacher in the classroom. Clearly, power may exist【16】wealth Not all the rich are powerful, and not ad the powerful are rich. But the two【17】are closely related. Wealth can sometimes buy power. In national politics, for【18】, candidates for office are often wealthy. The Kennedy brothers, the three Rockefeller governors, the Roosevelts, and Ronald Reagan are only a few men of wealth who have become powerful in politics. Moreover, power is often used to【19】wealth. How many lawmakers, generals, or labor union heads retire【20】poverty? (1)