Politics and Governance Overview

Politics

• Politics is the process of making decisions for a group of people.
• Governance, in contrast, is the process of implementing those decisions.

Views on Politics

• There are many different views on what politics is and how it functions.
• These views can be categorized in multiple ways.

Politics and Phenomenon

• There is a connection between the phenomenon of politics and the method of inquiry used to study it.
• This connection affects how researchers approach the subject of politics.

The Values of Politics

• Politics is based on certain underlying values.
• These values guide the actions and decisions made within the political process.

Governance vs Government

• Governance is the process of making and enforcing decisions, while Government is the institution that carries out those decisions.
• Term of Office is the length of time a person is legally allowed to hold a public office.
• Tenure of Office is the actual length of time a person holds a public office.

Origin of Government

• Government is an element of the state.
• There are many theories about the origin of the state, including the Divine Right Theory, the Natural or Matriarchal Theory, and the Force Theory.
• The Social Contract Theory is the most popular theory.
• Theories about the origin of the state are often debated, and there is no consensus on a single definitive origin.

Definitions of Politics and Governance

• Politics refers to the process of making collective decisions, especially in the context of a government.
• Governance refers to the act of governing; ensuring that an organization, an entity, or a state is directed towards its goals and objectives.

Views on Politics

• Multiple perspectives exist regarding the nature of politics, offering diverse understandings of its purpose, scope, and methods.

Relationship between Phenomenon and Method of Inquiry

• The study of politics involves both examining the phenomenon (political events and processes) and developing methods of inquiry to understand them.

Values of Politics

• Politics embodies values such as fairness, justice, and the common good. It seeks to balance competing interests and achieve outcomes that serve the broader community.

Governance vs Government

• Governance refers to the overall process of governing, encompassing the activities of both the government and other entities.
• Government refers to the formal institutions and structures responsible for governing a society, such as the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.

Term of Office vs Tenure of Office

• Term of Office: Fixed period of time for which an elected official is granted the authority to hold a particular office, as defined by the Constitution.
• Tenure of Office: Actual duration that an individual holds the position, which may be shorter than the term of office if the official is removed or resigns.

Origin of Government

• Government originates from the state, and understanding the origins of one sheds light on the other.
• Various theories explain the origins of the state, including the Divine Right Theory, Natural or Matriarchal Theory, the Force Theory, and the Social Contract Theory.
• The Social Contract Theory is the most popular, suggesting that individuals willingly surrender some of their freedoms in exchange for the protection and benefits provided by the state.

Explore the intricate concepts of politics and governance, understanding their definitions, values, and differing views. This quiz delves into the connections between political phenomena and the methodologies used in political inquiry. Challenge your knowledge on governance versus government and the values that underpin political actions.