What Is Politics?
Politics is the process by which people living in groups, such as tribes or cities, make agreements about how to share resources and power. It also includes the study of those agreements, which is often referred to as political science or government. The word politics comes from the Ancient Greek
Many broad definitions of politics include activities that directly or indirectly affect state institutions—such as public services, laws and security—and individuals who run those institutions. A narrower definition focuses on the role of politicians in deciding public services to provide, laws to enforce and ensure security, and other aspects of governance of people and things. Governments may be local or national, and they can interact with other governments at the international level through intergovernmental organizations or supranational unions such as the United Nations or European Union.
The political world is complex and diverse, encompassing a wide range of social institutions from clans and tribal councils to schools and churches and, in modern times, local, state and federal governments. These institutions can be organized into political parties, which support the same candidates for public office or share a similar set of views and policies. The political world also encompasses a wide variety of policy areas, from economic development and health to criminal justice and education.
A classic view of politics focuses on the struggle to assert competing interests in the distribution of power and goods. However, scholars are increasingly recognizing that contestation is not only about the power to distribute, but also about how issues are framed and narrated — which has implications for distribution as well.
When asked to name their biggest problem with the political system today, most Americans say that special interests and campaign money influence politics too much. A substantial majority also believe that politicians are more focused on arguing with each other than solving the country’s problems.
While many people who participate in the political process find it frustrating and disheartening, others embrace it as a way to make a difference and improve their community. Whether they are active participants in legislative debates or follow political news and commentary on television, the internet or radio, they are part of a large and varied group of citizens who feel passionate about their politics.
While Americans express considerable dissatisfaction with the current state of politics, their level of engagement remains higher than in previous generations. Despite their dissatisfaction, most say they will continue to engage in the political process because they believe it is important to be informed voters and that elected officials should work together to solve problems. Even so, most people also believe that the quality of political leadership has declined and that politicians are more prone to making harmful mistakes than in the past. They may be right. But if we hope to see progress in reducing inequality, address climate change and other challenges, and build a better future for all, we need new voices to join the conversation about politics.
Politics is the process by which people living in groups, such as tribes or cities, make agreements about how to share resources and power. It also includes the study of those agreements, which is often referred to as political science or government. The word politics comes from the Ancient Greek (politika), meaning “affairs of the city.” Many broad definitions of politics include activities that directly or indirectly affect state institutions—such as public services, laws and security—and individuals who run those institutions. A narrower definition focuses on the role of politicians in deciding public services to provide, laws to enforce and ensure security, and other aspects of governance of people and things. Governments may be local or national, and they can interact with other governments at the international level through intergovernmental organizations or supranational unions such as the United Nations or European Union. The political world is complex and diverse, encompassing a wide range of social institutions from clans and tribal councils to schools and churches and, in modern times, local, state and federal governments. These institutions can be organized into political parties, which support the same candidates for public office or share a similar set of views and policies. The political world also encompasses a wide variety of policy areas, from economic development and health to criminal justice and education. A classic view of politics focuses on the struggle to assert competing interests in the distribution of power and goods. However, scholars are increasingly recognizing that contestation is not only about the power to distribute, but also about how issues are framed and narrated — which has implications for distribution as well. When asked to name their biggest problem with the political system today, most Americans say that special interests and campaign money influence politics too much. A substantial majority also believe that politicians are more focused on arguing with each other than solving the country’s problems. While many people who participate in the political process find it frustrating and disheartening, others embrace it as a way to make a difference and improve their community. Whether they are active participants in legislative debates or follow political news and commentary on television, the internet or radio, they are part of a large and varied group of citizens who feel passionate about their politics. While Americans express considerable dissatisfaction with the current state of politics, their level of engagement remains higher than in previous generations. Despite their dissatisfaction, most say they will continue to engage in the political process because they believe it is important to be informed voters and that elected officials should work together to solve problems. Even so, most people also believe that the quality of political leadership has declined and that politicians are more prone to making harmful mistakes than in the past. They may be right. But if we hope to see progress in reducing inequality, address climate change and other challenges, and build a better future for all, we need new voices to join the conversation about politics.