2 - Politics, Power & Authority Flashcards
1
Q
What are descriptive questions?
A
How things in society work
2
Q
What are normative questions?
A
What should be
3
Q
Meanings of politics
A
- Formal government activity
- Dishonesty seeking personal gain
- Noble pursuit of the public good
4
Q
What is politics?
A
- Social – behaviour b/w people and the views that society holds on issues
- Process – how decisions are made and how society coordinates and cooperates in decision making
- Conflict – discourse and conflicting opinions
- Binding decisions - implemented and enforced by those with authority
5
Q
Aspects of politics
A
- Collective action
- Conflict and cooperation
- Authoritarian decisions
- Laws and decisions enforced against the disobedient
6
Q
What is government?
A
- Activity of governing or ruling
- Exercising authority over others
- Institutions responsible for coordinating collective decisions
7
Q
Aristotle’s 2 questions
A
1) Who rules?
2) In whose interest?
8
Q
One rules in the interest of the rulers
A
Tyranny
9
Q
One rules in the interest of the governed
A
Monarchy
10
Q
Few rule in the interest of the rulers
A
Oligarchy
11
Q
Few rule in the interest of the governed
A
Aristocracy
12
Q
Many rule in the interest of the rulers
A
Democracy
13
Q
Many rule in the interest of the governed
A
Polity
14
Q
What is the state?
A
- Territorial community
- Centralized governing authority
- Sovereignty, including the monopoly of legitimate violence
15
Q
What is power?
A
- The ability to produce results
- Influencing others’ behaviour
