3.2 What Is Politics?

Politics is the process by which individuals and groups decide on rules, laws, and policies that affect everyone. The goal of politics is to organize our collective lives in a social order, allowing us to coexist peacefully and access goods and services we couldn’t obtain alone. It involves compromise, cooperation, discussion, and debate. At the same time, politics encompasses individual and group struggles for power and resources, inevitably leading to winners and losers because not everyone can always get what they want.

Harold D. Lasswell, a well-known political scientist, defined politics simply as “who gets what, when, and how.” This definition underscores that politics is about the distribution of resources and power, explaining how decisions are made regarding who receives certain benefits, when they receive them, and the methods used to distribute these benefits.

Lasswell’s definition highlights the importance of understanding the dynamics behind political decisions, which affect every aspect of our lives. Studying politics through this lens gives us a clearer picture of how society is governed and the significance of making our voices heard.

But not everything must be a struggle.

Studying state and local governments enhances our understanding of politics by showing how power and resources are shared and managed within our communities. By examining the workings and decision-making processes of these governments, we can see the broader scope of politics, including the necessary compromises, cooperation, and conflicts that arise as people strive to achieve their goals. This understanding is crucial for developing civic engagement skills, enabling individuals to navigate the political landscape, advocate for their interests, and contribute to the common good effectively.

Civil discourse refers to respectful and constructive communication about political and social issues, even when people disagree. It encourages individuals to express their views thoughtfully and listen to others with an open mind. Civil discourse helps communities address conflicts, find common ground, and develop solutions without resorting to aggression or violence. Practicing it builds trust among citizens and supports effective democratic processes.

To be clear, there is no place for political violence in the United States. Political violence is the use of physical force or intimidation by individuals or groups to achieve political objectives. This can include acts such as terrorism, assassinations, riots, and violent protests. Political violence is often aimed at influencing government policies, overthrowing governments, or suppressing opposition. It undermines democratic processes and can create instability within societies by instilling fear and disrupting public order. Political violence is a severe violation of the rule of law and human rights, posing significant challenges to the security and functioning of political systems.

References

Barbour, Christine, and Gerald C. Wright. 2015. Keeping the Republic: Power and Citizenship in American Politics. 7th ed. Thousand Oaks, CA: CQ Press.

Lasswell, Harold D. 1936. Politics: Who Gets What, When, How. New York: Whittlesey House, McGraw-Hill Book Co.