What is politics?
What is politics?
- is the activities associated
with the governance of a
country or other area,
especially the debate or
conflict among individuals or
parties having or hoping to
achieve power and making
decisions in groups, or other
forms of power relations
among individuals, such as
the distribution of status or
resources.
Four types of
politics
Four types of
politics
• Democracy
• Authoritarianism
• Totalitarian
• Monarchy
Authoritarianism
- is a political system characterized
by concentrated power in the
hands of a single leader or a small
elite, who wield significant control
without being constitutionally
responsible to the public. In this
system, individual freedoms are
limited, and political opposition is
either suppressed or strictly
regulated. Authoritarian regimes
typically rely on arbitrary decision-
making, lack transparent
governance, and have vague or
limited legal boundaries governing
the use of power.
Totalitarianism
- is a political system and a
form of government that
prohibits opposition political
parties, disregards and
outlaws the political claims
of individual and group
opposition to the state, and
controls the public sphere
and the private sphere of
society.
Political theory
• Political Philosophy
-This explores fundamental
questions about the nature
of justice, power, and the
good life. It delves into
concepts like democracy,
liberty, equality, and the role
of the state. Prominent
figures include Plato,
Aristotle, Machiavelli, Locke,
Rousseau, and Marx.
Political theory
• Political Ideologies
- These are sets of beliefs
and values that shape
political attitudes and
actions. Major ideologies
include liberalism,
conservatism, socialism, and
fascism, each with its own
views on individual rights,
economic systems, and social
structures.
• Political Processes:
- Elections: These are mechanisms through which
citizens choose their representatives and leaders.
- Legislation: This involves the process of creating,
debating, and enacting laws.
- Policy Making: This encompasses the development,
implementation, and evaluation of policies to address
societal problems.
- Public Opinion: This refers to the attitudes and beliefs
of citizens on political issues, which can influence policy
decisions.
• Political Institutions:
- Government: This refers to the formal structures and
processes through which decisions are made and
enforced. It includes the executive, legislative, and judicial
branches, as well as administrative agencies.
- Political Parties: These are organized groups that aim to
influence government policy by nominating candidates
for office and mobilizing voters.
- Civil Society: This encompasses non-governmental
organizations, interest groups, and social movements that
engage in political advocacy and influence public policy.
- International Organizations: These are entities like the
United Nations, the World Trade Organization, and
regional organizations that facilitate cooperation and
address global issues.
• In everyday life, the term "politics" refers to the way that
countries are governed, and to the ways that
governments make rules and laws to manage the human
society properly. Politics can also be seen in other
groups, such as in companies, clubs, schools, and
churches.What is the highest purpose of politics?
• The purpose of political association is to promote human
flourishing (Eudaimonia), something Aristotle defined
and further examined in the Nicomachean Ethics.
Human flourishing requires the basics of biological
survival, a good character (the virtues), and the finer
things of life.
End!.
