The analytical framework in theories of governance differs in several important aspects from traditional political science frameworks. In governance theory many political science postulates concerning political institutions and their capacity to govern are not accepted at face value. The extent to which they do exercise such powers is, we argue, largely a matter of context. While political science has a natural interest in political power and assumes that such power rests exclusively with political structures, governance theories are more wary of political power as a base for governing. Instead, in governance, leverage is frequently derived from entrepreneurialism and political skill.