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What is politics?

What is politics?. Key Definitions & rules of the game. Part I: What is politics?. Our definition of politics:. Politics is:. the authoritative allocation of things of value. What is power?. Power is:. getting other people to do what you want them to do. What is authority?.

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What is politics?

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  1. What is politics? Key Definitions & rules of the game

  2. Part I: What is politics?

  3. Our definition of politics: • Politics is: the authoritative allocation of things of value.

  4. What is power? • Power is: getting other people to do what you want them to do.

  5. What is authority? • Authority is: the legitimate right to use power. (i.e., the decision-maker).

  6. Your assignment: • Before next class, identify a recent political dilemma in which you found yourself. • Think about what was of value, who was in a position of authority and how you tried to wield power. • Be prepared to write about the result.

  7. Part II: Coach Hall’s Rules of Politics

  8. Rule #1 • Individual survival/ ambition.

  9. Rule #1 - Example • Hillary Clinton recently criticized Obama on foreign policy. “Great nations need organizing principles and “Don’t do stupid stuff” is not an organizing principle.” -- Atlantic Monthly interview, Aug. 10, 2014

  10. Rule #1 - Example • Why would Hillary try to distance herself from Obama? Obama job approval Obama foreign policy approval rating

  11. Rule #2 • Build/maintain party strength.

  12. Rule #2 - Example • Since the 2012 election, many Republican leaders support a path to citizenship for illegals. Hispanic Vote

  13. Rule #3 • Make good policy. Important Note: Good POLITICS is one thing. Good POLICY is very often something different.

  14. Part III: Wedge issues

  15. What is a wedge issue? • A Wedge Issue is: an issue that unites your party, appeals to independent voters, and divides the opposition.

  16. Partisan Identification Do you consider yourself: • Democrat = 31% • Republican = 26% • Independent = 40% Source: Gallup poll, Aug., 2014

  17. Partisan Identification (cont.) • Asked of self-proclaimed Independents, which way do you lean? • Democrats (w/ leaners) = 46% • Republican (w/ leaners) = 42% • Neither = 12% Source: Gallup poll, Aug., 2014

  18. Wedge Issues: Example #1 • Guns. Republicans: 2nd Amend guarantee. • 73% of Americans favor. Democrats: Background checks for all gun purchases. • 83% of Americans favor. Source: Gallup poll, Apr., 2013

  19. Wedge Issues: Example #2 • Immigration. Democrats: Dream Act/Dream-Lite. • 84% of Americans favor. Republicans: Tighter border security. • 77% of Americans favor. Source: Pew poll, June, 2013

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