The nature and structure of academic power in American higher education is described and compared with the British and Continental modes of academic organization. Structured power is described as providing influence to certain groups, systematically backing certain values and viewpoints at the same time subordinating others, and determining whether activities will be influenced by monopolistic or pluralistic forms of participation. The analysis concluded that the general structure of higher education in the United States is appropriate for the wide range of training opportunities needed to extend higher education to all that can benefit from it. (Author/JMF)