WEEK 1

Harold Laswell's Definition of Politics

"Who gets what, when and how."

David Easton's Definition of Politics

A political system is how a society decides who gets resources, power, and responsibilities.

Another way of looking at Politics

How do we allocate limited resources in society with unlimited wants and demands? How are rival claims settled by public authorities?

Definition of Government

A set of institutions that make and enforce collective, public decisions. Also refers to the current group in power.

Characteristics of Government

1. Everywhere 2. Multiple 3. Necessary

Politicians

Elected by the people, not permanent, and make policy decisions.

Bureaucracy

Bureaucrats work for the government as a career, implement government policies, and include roles like driver’s license renewal, tax processing, and police officers.

Public Administration

The study of bureaucracy and how government policies are implemented.

The Political issues vs politics

A political issue involves a decision on how society acts, and politics is the practice of influencing collective decisions.

What is Politics?

Politics is how people make rules and decisions for a group or country. It’s about who has power and how they use it.

Politicians vs Bureaucrats

Politicians are elected officials who make policy decisions. Bureaucrats are appointed officials who implement those decisions.

What is Government?

A set of institutions that make and enforce collective decisions for society, including appointments, spending, tax collection, lawmaking, and enforcement.