What is Politics? Flashcards
What are the possible definitions of politics?
- the politician’s view
- formal/informal institutions
- something we all do
What was the general public’s trust in politicians in 2023?
9% (lowest of any job)
How has public trust in goverment changed since the 1960s?
From high of 77% in 1964 to lows of around 20% in 2020.
What has the lack of trust in politicians caused?
Populism - leaders try to ‘restore trust’ in politics.
Who hold the classical conceptualisiations of politics?
- Ancient Greece
- Aristotle
- Hobbes
- Lasswell
- Heywood
- Hay
What did the Ancient Greeks think the definition of politics is?
Politikos - affairs that pertain to the ‘polis’ (city-state)
What did Aristotle think the definition of politics is?
Politics as a noble activity that debate moral and practical issues, decision making, improving wellbeing.
What did Hobbes think the definition of politics is?
Force is essential to maintain order, a social contract should be founded to form sovereign power.
What did Lasswell think the definition of politics is?
Politics is the allocation of scarce resources
What does Haywood think the definition of politics is?
The activity through which people make, preserve and amend general rules under which they live.
What does Hay think the definition of politics is?
Four main features:
* choice
* capacity for agency
* deliberation
* social interaction
What are the general classifications of politics, and how are they split?
Narrow vs. broad
Content (what is political or not)
Context (where do we see politics?)
What is the modern liberal view on what politics is?
- People are rational and informed
- The individual is the basic unit of political activity, with certain inalienable rights
- Public and private as distinct
How do modern liberals split public and private?
Public - the state and civil society
Private - individuals and families exist outside the political sphere
Can you, in practice, distinguish between public and private in politics?
Difficult ∵
* Practical blurring
* Personal vs. Political
* Challenges to distinction
How does practical blurring make it difficult to distinguish between public and private in politics?
- Lobbying and influence
- PPPs
- Media
How does lobbying and influence add to the practical blurring of dividing politics between private and public?
Private entities (firms, IGs) shape public policy by lobbying and influence - blurs line between private interests and public decisions
How do PPPs add to the practical blurring of dividing politics between private and public?
Joint ventures for infrastructure, healthcare etc. combine public and private, blurring accountability.
How does the media add to the practical blurring of dividing politics between private and public?
Private media influence public opinion and therefore political decisions.
How does the personal vs. political make it difficult to distinguish between public and private in politics?
- Politician’s private lives
- Conflicts of interest
How do politician’s private lives add to the personal vs. political of dividing politics between private and public?
Personal conduct (financial dealings, personal behaviours) impact public trust in governance.
How do conflicts of interest add to the personal vs. political of dividing politics between private and public?
Private interests (religion, family, financial etc.) may sway public official’s decisions.
How do challenges to distinction make it difficult to distinguish between public and private in politics?
- Corruption and weak governance
- Globalisation
- Digital platforms
How does corruption and weak governance add to the challenges to distinction to divide politics between private and public?
Private actors may capture public resources or policy (cronyism)
