Understanding the Basics of Politics
Politics is a system of power, influence and representation that affects the everyday lives of people. The study of politics can be used to understand how laws are created and contested, how societies manage conflict, and how different countries form and sustain their institutions. It’s also a vital tool for people who want to effect change in their communities or in the world.
Political skills can be learned and applied in a variety of ways, including protests, lobbying, activism, and community organizing. Having strong political knowledge is key for those who want to positively impact society and earn recognition for their efforts. Politicians who demonstrate sincerity, honesty and trustworthiness are often more effective at influencing others.
Depending on the perspective, Politics can be seen as either an authoritative and legitimate struggle for scarce resources or precious rights and privileges, or a way of manipulating others to achieve one’s own ends. The former is the classic definition of politics, but scholars are increasingly recognizing that the latter is equally important. This new view emphasizes contestation over how a policy problem is framed or narrated, and the potential for differing ideological approaches to have profound impacts on distribution.
The United States has a unique set of political systems and institutions, making it a fascinating case study for students of political science. It is the most powerful and oldest democracy with a written constitution, and it has long attracted interest from students around the globe. Examine the development of its national government, political parties and institutions, racial diversity and conflict, and other distinct features.
Politics can be defined as the process by which individuals, groups, or nations attempt to influence their societal outcomes through organized, systematic and often violent actions. Political science is the field that studies these activities and their effects, from local city politics to international peacekeeping operations. It’s also a discipline that covers the broader issues of global governance and the challenges facing globalization.
This course introduces you to the concepts, theories, and methods of political analysis. You’ll explore a range of analytical techniques and tools, such as formal and game theory, in order to understand the workings of political systems, and how they might be improved or changed.
Whether you’re interested in international law, environmental justice, or human rights, politics will help you develop the necessary skills to work in these fields. Those who choose to pursue careers in law or diplomacy will find that their knowledge of political science enhances their effectiveness by allowing them to understand how laws are made and contested, and how to negotiate for change. People who decide to become activists or social advocates will use their understanding of political science to shape legislation and promote policies that address the most pressing societal concerns.
Politics is a system of power, influence and representation that affects the everyday lives of people. The study of politics can be used to understand how laws are created and contested, how societies manage conflict, and how different countries form and sustain their institutions. It’s also a vital tool for people who want to effect change in their communities or in the world. Political skills can be learned and applied in a variety of ways, including protests, lobbying, activism, and community organizing. Having strong political knowledge is key for those who want to positively impact society and earn recognition for their efforts. Politicians who demonstrate sincerity, honesty and trustworthiness are often more effective at influencing others. Depending on the perspective, Politics can be seen as either an authoritative and legitimate struggle for scarce resources or precious rights and privileges, or a way of manipulating others to achieve one’s own ends. The former is the classic definition of politics, but scholars are increasingly recognizing that the latter is equally important. This new view emphasizes contestation over how a policy problem is framed or narrated, and the potential for differing ideological approaches to have profound impacts on distribution. The United States has a unique set of political systems and institutions, making it a fascinating case study for students of political science. It is the most powerful and oldest democracy with a written constitution, and it has long attracted interest from students around the globe. Examine the development of its national government, political parties and institutions, racial diversity and conflict, and other distinct features. Politics can be defined as the process by which individuals, groups, or nations attempt to influence their societal outcomes through organized, systematic and often violent actions. Political science is the field that studies these activities and their effects, from local city politics to international peacekeeping operations. It’s also a discipline that covers the broader issues of global governance and the challenges facing globalization. This course introduces you to the concepts, theories, and methods of political analysis. You’ll explore a range of analytical techniques and tools, such as formal and game theory, in order to understand the workings of political systems, and how they might be improved or changed. Whether you’re interested in international law, environmental justice, or human rights, politics will help you develop the necessary skills to work in these fields. Those who choose to pursue careers in law or diplomacy will find that their knowledge of political science enhances their effectiveness by allowing them to understand how laws are made and contested, and how to negotiate for change. People who decide to become activists or social advocates will use their understanding of political science to shape legislation and promote policies that address the most pressing societal concerns.