As the amount of resources increases, what happens to the power of those who control them?

Study for the Dual Enrollment US History Test. Engage with flashcards and multiple choice questions, with hints and explanations. Prepare effectively for your history exam today!

When someone controls a large amount of resources, their bargaining power and influence grow. Owning more resources gives the holder greater ability to command favorable terms in trade, set prices, and fund actions—political, legal, or military—to protect and advance their interests. That leverage translates into more clout with governments, businesses, and rivals, because access to resources is a fundamental source of economic and political power. This is why resource-rich groups or states often gain pronounced influence in negotiations and policymaking. The other options don’t follow from having more resources: increased resources don’t inherently reduce trade, directly cause higher child mortality, or reduce influence. Greater power for the resource holder is the most direct outcome.