Basic features of political modernization

The old traditional authority structures –feudal or religious authorities close their importance. A single, secular and national political authority emerges and there is centralization of authority. There is a growth of a network of differentiated and specialized political and bureaucratic institutions to meet the challenges of ever changing political system. There is increased differentiation and specialization of political and bureaucratic institutions.

There is a growing involvement and participation of people in the modern political system. The main agents to bring about the process of modernization in the political system are: colonialism, elites, revolutionary leaders, political parties, military and bureaucracy.