The term fifth power can be used to refer either to the Internet, public opinion, the Church (which is the First Estate by the original meaning), economic systems or simply money including its creation.
Historically, the relationship between power and economy has been defined within a narrow scope, primarily as the mercantilism of the Modern Age.
However, since the U.S. stock market crash of 1929, four contemporary positions have emerged: A fifth power could refer to the influence money can have in blurring the separation of powers, influencing the decisions of a government and legislation, and misapplication of the principle of equality before law.
According to Ramonet, Internet users collaborate to form a powerful engine of debate and democratic action.
This concept has been adopted in a number of countries, to varying degrees depending on the applicable legal structures and prevalent views toward the proper role of religion in society.