In Boston Gerry Angiulo had more power hands down but consigliere Larry Zannino's word weighed in just as heavy most of the time.

I think this is the basis for many arguments about Chicago. As CookCounty pointed out the consigliere was the top shot-caller even though there were day-to-day bosses at different times. I'm talking mainly about the 50's,- early 80's. things probably changed sometime during the 80's; I'm not sure.

The other point that I believe is relevant is that there is a big, big difference between power and authority; not only in O.C. but in any business or organization. One person may have the title (authority) but someone else may have the power. It is very common and occurs in just about every organizational structure.