What is Politics and How Does it Affect Us?
Most people are familiar with the word “politics” and its relationship to elections. In the United States, politics revolves around presidential elections every four years. During this time, political activity is at its peak. The Democratic and Republican Parties invest millions of dollars into advertisements and debates, and politicians make trips to the electorate to make their case. These people work very hard to reach the people and get them to support their party. But what is politics and how does it affect us?
The power of a person or group can be measured in two ways: the direct influence of individuals and groups on a particular issue. This authority often takes the form of legislative vote, executive command, veto, or court ruling. But other actions also fall into the first dimension of power, including nondecisions that may benefit one party over another. For example, the U.S. Senate may vote to tax large estates worth more than $10 million. However, the Senate is split: 44 senators support the bill while 56 oppose it. This first dimension of power is clear: a decision has to be made.
While these decisions often result in unjust outcomes, it is possible to make an informed decision that will benefit all citizens. A common question is “Who benefits from this action?” – Qui bono is Latin for “who benefits,” and it explains why a person’s decision affects him or her. “Who benefits” asks whether one set of interests consistently benefits from the status quo, or whether the rules of the game are unfair and favored for a small number of people.
The Roman Republic and Roman Empire were highly governed by politics. The greatest Roman orator, Cicero, wrote on Senate politics. The Renaissance’s political theorists included Machiavelli and Hobbes. Many political science classes include The Prince. These writers contributed to the modern understanding of politics, laying the foundations for secular democracies and a democratic society. These ideas have remained popular through history and influence our political systems.
The fundamentals of political science center on the mechanisms of decision-making in a polity. The study of political institutions and practices involves the allocation of limited resources and rights. By focusing on these structures and practices, political scientists can better analyze a given situation. They can also use the power of a group to thwart a specific group. The power of one group over another can have a significant impact on an entire society.
In the 20th century, globalization began to shape political life. International organizations and supranational unions influenced politics. After World War I, the League of Nations was formed, followed by the United Nations. Through the United Nations, various international treaties were signed. African, ASEAN, and Mercosur countries have pursued regional integration. In addition, international political organizations include the International Criminal Court, World Trade Organization, and the International Monetary Fund.
Most people are familiar with the word “politics” and its relationship to elections. In the United States, politics revolves around presidential elections every four years. During this time, political activity is at its peak. The Democratic and Republican Parties invest millions of dollars into advertisements and debates, and politicians make trips to the electorate to make their case. These people work very hard to reach the people and get them to support their party. But what is politics and how does it affect us? The power of a person or group can be measured in two ways: the direct influence of individuals and groups on a particular issue. This authority often takes the form of legislative vote, executive command, veto, or court ruling. But other actions also fall into the first dimension of power, including nondecisions that may benefit one party over another. For example, the U.S. Senate may vote to tax large estates worth more than $10 million. However, the Senate is split: 44 senators support the bill while 56 oppose it. This first dimension of power is clear: a decision has to be made. While these decisions often result in unjust outcomes, it is possible to make an informed decision that will benefit all citizens. A common question is “Who benefits from this action?” – Qui bono is Latin for “who benefits,” and it explains why a person’s decision affects him or her. “Who benefits” asks whether one set of interests consistently benefits from the status quo, or whether the rules of the game are unfair and favored for a small number of people. The Roman Republic and Roman Empire were highly governed by politics. The greatest Roman orator, Cicero, wrote on Senate politics. The Renaissance’s political theorists included Machiavelli and Hobbes. Many political science classes include The Prince. These writers contributed to the modern understanding of politics, laying the foundations for secular democracies and a democratic society. These ideas have remained popular through history and influence our political systems. The fundamentals of political science center on the mechanisms of decision-making in a polity. The study of political institutions and practices involves the allocation of limited resources and rights. By focusing on these structures and practices, political scientists can better analyze a given situation. They can also use the power of a group to thwart a specific group. The power of one group over another can have a significant impact on an entire society. In the 20th century, globalization began to shape political life. International organizations and supranational unions influenced politics. After World War I, the League of Nations was formed, followed by the United Nations. Through the United Nations, various international treaties were signed. African, ASEAN, and Mercosur countries have pursued regional integration. In addition, international political organizations include the International Criminal Court, World Trade Organization, and the International Monetary Fund.