Questions and Answers
The term 'politics' includes the activity through which people make and amend the general rules under which they live.
True
Politics is generally seen as a unified concept with a single agreed meaning.
False
According to Hague & Harrop, politics is an activity that does not enforce any binding decisions.
False
Politics can be considered the art of government.
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According to Crick, politics is concerned with giving different interests a share in power proportional to their importance to the community's welfare.
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The study of politics does not involve understanding the disagreements about how decisions should be made.
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According to Barrington et al., politics is a set of activities that disrupts societal order.
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Aristotle's view of politics focuses solely on power distribution without any regard for the improvement of human lives.
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Politics is derived from the ancient Greek word 'polis' which means city-state.
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Politics involves the study of both government personnel and private organizations.
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The exercise of authority in politics is defined as legitimate power.
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Civil society includes government departments and public offices.
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Politics is only engaged in by a large group of citizens.
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Public affairs refer to matters occurring in the private sphere of life.
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Government institutions are funded through public taxation.
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The distinction between 'the political' and 'the non-political' is important in the study of politics.
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Study Notes
Understanding Politics
- Politics involves differing viewpoints on how society should function, including lifestyle choices, distribution of resources, and resolution of conflicts.
- Key questions include who should decide societal norms, how influence is distributed, and how collective decisions are reached.
Defining Politics
- Various definitions highlight politics as a social activity with no universally accepted meaning:
- Politics is the process of creating, preserving, and amending the general rules governing life (Heywood).
- It consists of activities through which groups reach binding decisions (Hague & Harrop).
- Politics conciliates competing interests by sharing power proportionately to their societal importance (Crick).
- It organizes individuals, resolves disputes, and maintains societal order through rules and policies (Barrington et al.).
- It aims at improving lives and establishing the ideal society (Aristotle).
Studying Politics
A. Politics as the Art of Government
- Politics is considered an art that applies knowledge to achieve specific objectives, rooted in governance and control.
- Originates from Ancient Greece, with “polis” referring to city-states, linking politics to state concerns.
- Politics is intrinsically tied to government, involving:
- Government personnel (politicians, civil servants, lobbyists).
- Government machinery (departments and agencies).
- Authority in politics is defined as legitimate power, accepted by the populace.
B. Politics as Public Affairs
- Politics occurs within the public realm, distinguishing between 'political' and 'non-political' actions.
- Public affairs involve state-related activities funded through taxes, encompassing government institutions.
- Private entities, such as businesses and community groups, represent civil society, which operates independently of state funding.
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Description
Explore the multifaceted nature of politics through various definitions and key questions regarding societal norms, resource distribution, and conflict resolution. This quiz delves into the challenges and principles that shape political systems and societal organization.
