What is politics? Flashcards
How did US political scientist Harold Lasswell define politics in 1935?
Who gets what, when and how
Define politics
The process by which individuals/groups with divergent interests and values make collective decisions
Why does resource scarcity necessitate politics?
If goods are in short supply, there will be disputes over their distribution
Why do competing interests and values necessitate politics?
Compromise and collective decision making are essential if society is to thrive
Why do competing interests and values necessitate politics?
Compromise and collective decision making are essential if society is to thrive
Define power
The ability to do something or make something happen
Define authority
The right to take a particular course of action
Describe the idea that politics is about power
Here, the study of politics will focus on the distribution of power in society
Describe the idea that politics is about conciliation
Here, the study of politics is about conflict resolution, negotiation and compromise. Politics is seen as a force for good and a way of decision making in divided societies without resorting to force
Define absolute power
The unlimited ability to do as one wishes; exists only in theory
Define persuasive power
The ability to persuade others that a course of action is correct
Define legitimate power
Involves others accepting an individual’s right to make decisions, perhaps as the result of an election
Define coercive power
This means pressing others into complying by using laws or penalties
What types of power to governments in modern democracies use?
Mostly legitimate power, with elements of coercive and persuasive power
Define traditional authority
Authority that is based on traditions and customs
Define charasmatic authority
Authority based on the characteristics of the leaders
Define legal-rational authority
Authority granted by a formal process, like an election
Who has the authority to make and amend laws in the UK?
Parliament
How does parliament gain its legal-rational authority?
Through free and fair elections
Define government (verb)
The activity or system of governing a political unit
Define government (noun)
The set of institutions that exercise authority and make the rules of a political unit
What is the state?
The set of institutions that exercise authority over a political unit within a territory
What does the state have a monopoly over?
The legitimate use of force
What institutions does the state include?
- The institutions of government
- Police
- Courts
- Military
- Security services
What happened to the state in the 20th century?
Its remit expanded as it took on a greater role in the economy and developed an extensive welfare state
How has the role of the state shrunk across the last 30 years?
Some of its social and economic functions have been contracted out to the private sector, whilst others have been transferred out to regional or international organisations
Define governance
A form of decision making that involves a wide range of institutions, networks and relationships
Where is politics found in civil society?
In the realm of autonomous groups and associations found in between the individual and the state. This includes businesses, churches, trade unions and pressure groups
What did Adrian Leftwich say about politics?
Politics is present in collective social activity and in all human groups and societies
