In centralized societies such as chiefdoms and states, various forms of power are condensed in the formal hereditary role of the leader. Leaders in such societies have persuasive power but no formal means of enforcing their will.

With social stratification and centralized rule, systems of ideology and hegemony develop to support the social order. All societies have ways of exercising authority, making decisions, and settling disputes.

power — the ability to influence people and/or shape social processes and social structures. authority — the exercise of power based on expertise, charisma, or roles of leadership. chiefdoms — societies in which political leadership is regionally organized through an affiliation or hierarchy of chiefs. Chiefdoms are associated with intensive agriculture, militarism…. ideology — an organized set of ideas associated with a particular group or class in society. Ideologies are used to explain how various realms of nature and society work, including such….