In Chapter 1, we argue that social associations, to remain functional, ought to retain three core features. First, boundaries – physical, informational or social – enable associations to shield themselves from society at large. Separating members from non-members, associations create a distinct “we” with which to identify. Second, to foster unique experiences, associations develop internal hierarchies, norms, and practices. These are the rules and rituals that define the culture of the association. Third, to emerge and sustain themselves, social associations must serve specific functions: Activities or goods around which people coalesce. We call these three features boundary power, medium power, and agenda power, respectively. We trace the importance of these three “powers” in a variety of contexts: among the earliest settler societies, among Freemasons in pre-liberal societies, in nineteenth century America, and in Habermas’s account of European coffeehouses. We also draw on empirical work to show why these three powers matter. And we point to the specific means of communication that make the exercise of the three powers possible.