What is politics?

Question 1

How did US political scientist Harold Lasswell define politics in 1935?

Answer 1

Who gets what, when and how

Question 2

Define politics

Answer 2

The process by which individuals/groups with divergent interests and values make collective decisions

Question 3

Why does resource scarcity necessitate politics?

Answer 3

If goods are in short supply, there will be disputes over their distribution

Question 4

Why do competing interests and values necessitate politics?

Answer 4

Compromise and collective decision making are essential if society is to thrive

Question 4

Why do competing interests and values necessitate politics?

Answer 4

Compromise and collective decision making are essential if society is to thrive

Question 5

Define power

Answer 5

The ability to do something or make something happen

Question 6

Define authority

Answer 6

The right to take a particular course of action

Question 7

Describe the idea that politics is about power

Answer 7

Here, the study of politics will focus on the distribution of power in society

Question 8

Describe the idea that politics is about conciliation

Answer 8

Here, the study of politics is about conflict resolution, negotiation and compromise. Politics is seen as a force for good and a way of decision making in divided societies without resorting to force

Question 9

Define absolute power

Answer 9

The unlimited ability to do as one wishes; exists only in theory

Question 10

Define persuasive power

Answer 10

The ability to persuade others that a course of action is correct

Question 11

Define legitimate power

Answer 11

Involves others accepting an individual’s right to make decisions, perhaps as the result of an election

Question 12

Define coercive power

Answer 12

This means pressing others into complying by using laws or penalties

Question 13

What types of power to governments in modern democracies use?

Answer 13

Mostly legitimate power, with elements of coercive and persuasive power

Question 14

Define traditional authority

Answer 14

Authority that is based on traditions and customs

Question 15

Define charasmatic authority

Answer 15

Authority based on the characteristics of the leaders

Question 16

Define legal-rational authority

Answer 16

Authority granted by a formal process, like an election

Question 17

Who has the authority to make and amend laws in the UK?

Answer 17

Parliament

Question 18

How does parliament gain its legal-rational authority?

Answer 18

Through free and fair elections

Question 19

Define government (verb)

Answer 19

The activity or system of governing a political unit

Question 20

Define government (noun)

Answer 20

The set of institutions that exercise authority and make the rules of a political unit

Question 21

What is the state?

Answer 21

The set of institutions that exercise authority over a political unit within a territory

Question 22

What does the state have a monopoly over?

Answer 22

The legitimate use of force

Question 23

What institutions does the state include?

Answer 23

• The institutions of government
• Police
• Courts
• Military
• Security services

Question 24

What happened to the state in the 20th century?

Answer 24

Its remit expanded as it took on a greater role in the economy and developed an extensive welfare state

Question 25

How has the role of the state shrunk across the last 30 years?

Answer 25

Some of its social and economic functions have been contracted out to the private sector, whilst others have been transferred out to regional or international organisations

Question 26

Define governance

Answer 26

A form of decision making that involves a wide range of institutions, networks and relationships

Question 27

Where is politics found in civil society?

Answer 27

In the realm of autonomous groups and associations found in between the individual and the state. This includes businesses, churches, trade unions and pressure groups

Question 28

What did Adrian Leftwich say about politics?

Answer 28

Politics is present in collective social activity and in all human groups and societies