What is power, and where does it originate? What, or how, does one maintain power?

 Power is an entity’s or individual’s ability to control or direct others, while authority is influence that is predicated on perceived legitimacy. Power derives from the ability to impose coercion -- truncheons, prisons, and punishment; and it derives from the ability of some agents within society to set the agenda for future action.

- Constantly increasing their power (more money, and more political influence that in turn brings in more money and more political influence)

Preventing those without power from gaining power (reduce the competition and increase the pool of cheap labor and cheap votes).

- Narrowing the circle of power (the 1% becomes the 0.5%, which becomes the 0.2%, etc).

Building a connection between their power and a divine force or plan (It's clearly God's will, so how can you go against God's will and not give me more power)..

Explanation:

whole lotta ptsd going on