The greatest power an elected official is not in their ability to effect legislative actions at their level. Rather it is the ability to affect legislative or collective action at the level above their current station.

1. Would you rather be the King or the King-Maker? The King holds all the power but also gets all attention, both good and bad. The King-maker makes kings when s/he needs a king. The King-maker is thus also the king-slayer of the previous king. tid:907 (1) (hivelink)