Concepts of Politics and Political Ideology

Vocabulary flashcards covering core definitions, views of politics, and political ideology from Modules 1 and 2.

Politics

The process through which people and groups make decisions, distribute resources and power, resolve conflicts, and establish rules for society.

Andrew Heywood's Definition of Politics

The activity through which people make, preserve, and amend the general rules under which they live.

Polis

The Greek word meaning city-state, from which the word politics is derived.

Politics as the Art of Government

The view that sees politics mainly as activity inside government, focusing on government institutions, political leaders, making laws, implementing decisions, and exercising authority.

Politics as Public Affairs

The view that politics concerns the public sphere, especially matters involving the government and society rather than the private domain.

Public Affairs

Matters and institutions concerning the government and public interest, including the government, courts, police, military, and public institutions.

Private Affairs

Non-governmental matters outside the public sphere, including private businesses, clubs, private organizations, and personal activities.

Politics as Compromise and Consensus

The view that sees politics as a way to resolve disagreements peacefully using negotiation, debate, compromise, conciliation, and arbitration instead of violence.

Politics as Power

The view that politics is essentially about power and influence, occurring when people attempt to influence others, control decisions, obtain resources, and achieve desired outcomes.

Power

The ability to influence.

Political Ideology

A system or set of political ideas, beliefs, and values that guides how people understand politics and what political actions they support.