Understanding Politics and Political Science

Introduction to Politics and Political Science

• Politics Defined:
  • From Greek politikos, relating to citizens.
  • Art/science of running governmental/state affairs.
  • Involves authority or power in social relations.
  • Methods and tactics to formulate and apply policy.
  • Modern discourse focuses on democracy and the relationship between people and politics, choosing government officials and making decisions about public policy.
• Aristotle's View:
  • Men are by nature political animals.
  • Politics is the study of the affairs of the city-state (polis).
  • Men should acquire and exercise power and influence with pure motives and responsibility.
• Politics as Struggle for Power:
  • Bernard Crick: Politics is a struggle for power among groups aiming to control the state.
  • Differing interests are conciliated by giving them a share in power proportional to their importance.
• Politics as Conflict Resolution:
  • Michael Sodaro: Politics is the process by which communities pursue collective goals and deal with conflicts authoritatively through government.
• Politics as Compromise:
  • Ernesto Maceda: Politics is the study of compromise.
  • Harold Lasswell: It's the art of deciding who gets what, when, and how.
• Politics as Pursuit for the Greater Good:
  • Aristotle: Politics is the art of good government.
  • Jovito Salonga: Politics is saying no to what is bad for society.

Key Concepts in Politics

• Power:
  • Ability or right to do something, exercise authority over others.
  • Implies a hierarchy of control.
  • From Latin potere, meaning