Political Theories and Concepts

The process of individuals, groups or societies seeking conflicting goals, allocating resources, and including potential government use of force.

The exercise and control of influence; shaping power & retention.

Government response to social pressures through the distribution of benefits, and penalties.

Humans are inherently involved in and driven by politics.

Creating a just society through ethical actions, especially in a public forum.

Decision-making, agenda-setting, and thought control are types of influence.

Politics is conflict between social classes ('haves' vs 'have-nots') and is a component of a superstructure.

A way to reach agreement on public matters despite conflicting interests.

Politics is fundamentally driven by class struggle, with power rooted in the class system. This suggests that the economy shapes the political landscape and vice versa.

Marx predicted that the working class (proletariat) would eventually overthrow the capitalist system through a revolution, leading to a classless society.

Marxists argue that politics is essentially a concentrated form of economics, where economic interests and power dynamics drive political processes and decisions.

According to Marxists, in a capitalist society, the ruling class (bourgeoisie) exploits the working class (proletariat) by extracting surplus value from their labor.

Marxists believe that a socialist revolution will lead to a classless society, where exploitation and inequalities based on economic status are eliminated.

Radical feminists argue that society is patriarchal, meaning that men hold systemic power and privilege, while women are systematically subordinated.

A radical feminist goal is to achieve a sexual revolution, transforming gender relations and creating a non-sexist society where people are valued based on personal worth, not their gender.

A field that studies the state, power, political systems, and political behavior. It intersects with other disciplines like sociology, economics, and history.

Benefits available to everyone, regardless of individual contributions, like clean air or national defense.

When individuals overuse a shared resource for personal gain, leading to its depletion.

Individuals benefit from a public good without contributing to its creation or maintenance.

The institutions that make and enforce decisions for a society.

Power that is considered just and appropriate by those subject to it.

Power based on long-standing customs, beliefs, and practices.

Personal freedoms protected from government interference, like speech, religion, and assembly.

Guarantees of fair and equal treatment enforced by the government, like voting and freedom from discrimination.

A utopian society ruled by philosopher kings, envisioned by Plato as the ideal form of government.

Questions that concern values, principles, and what ought to be, rather than what is. Examples include: Should I obey the state? How should rewards be distributed? What are the limits of individual freedom?

A method of studying politics that focuses on observable facts and evidence, aiming for objective and impartial understanding of political reality.

A theory that uses observable behavior and quantifiable data to study politics, seeking to make political analysis more scientific.

A theory explaining political behavior by assuming individuals make choices based on rational self-interest, aiming to maximize their benefit.

Sets of rules, norms, and practices that guide and constrain political behavior, not just organizations.

A perspective emphasizing the importance of institutions in understanding political behavior, considering them embedded in specific historical and cultural contexts.

Perspectives that challenge mainstream political thought and promote alternative views, often focusing on issues like power, inequality, and social justice.

Political science is a field that studies the state, power, political systems, and political behavior. It analyzes how groups of people govern themselves, how policies are made, and how we can improve our government policies.

Politics is a complex process that involves individuals, groups, and societies seeking conflicting goals, allocating resources, and potentially using government force. It's about power, influence, and decision-making.

Political power refers to the ability to influence government decisions, economic power centers on controlling resources and wealth, and ideological power involves shaping beliefs and values.

In political science, the philosophical tradition focuses on normative questions – what ought to be, rather than what is. It deals with ethical principles and ideals for a just and good society.

Control over resources, wealth, and production that can be used to influence political decisions and social outcomes.

The ability to shape beliefs, values, and perspectives, which can influence political behavior and social change.

Studying political science provides a valuable understanding of government, policy-making, and social issues. It prepares students for careers in government, law, research, and various other fields.