Intro_Gov. & Politics Dr.

M Rahman

INTRODUCTION

Contents:
I. Introduction
II. Politics and Government
A. Politics
1. Key concepts in politics
2. Major political ideologies
3. Politics as public affairs
4. Politics as the study of conflicts resolution
B. Government
1. Core Principles of Government
2. Functions of Government
3. Structure of Government
4. Forms of Government
5. Purpose of Government
III. Scopes of Politics and Government
A. Scopes of Politics
B. Scopes of Government
IV. The Relationship Between Law, Politics, and Governance

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I. INTRODUCTION:
Politics is the process by which people decide how to live together – whether it is a family, a
school, or a nation. Politics exists everywhere. It is all-pervading and as old as human beings.
Politics prevails in every sphere of human life. Whether one likes or not virtually no one is
completely beyond the reach of some kind of political system. Government is the system used
to make the decisions.

II. POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT:

A. Politics
The word politics comes from the Greek word polis, meaning everything that concerns or
belongs to the polis, or city-state. Since the city-states no longer exist, the modern form of this
definition is what concerns the state. Politics is the process through which individuals and
groups make decisions, negotiate power, and influence the governance of a society. It
encompasses the activities, ideologies, and strategies used to organize collective action and
resolve conflicts in a community.

Aristotle is regarded as a “father of Political science” because of his far-reaching and

permanent contribution to politics. He called politics the Master Science because politics
determines the environment within which every person will organize his life. No one can
escape from the parameters set by politics. In his famous book Politics, Aristotle wrote, “Man
is by nature a Political Animal, and he who is by nature or by accident is without a state is
either above humanity or below it.” Politics is the control room of all human activities.

According to traditional political scientists from the early part of the 20th century, such as J
W Garner, Henry Sidgwick, and others, Politics deals mainly with the study of state and
government or related institutions.

R G Gettel defined politics as the study of the state in the past, present, and future, of political
organization and function, of political institutions, and of political theories.

According to Laski, the study of politics concerns itself with the life of man in relation to
organized states.

According to Garner, political science begins and ends with state.

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According to Leacock, Political science deals with government.

Modern View of Political Science: At the beginning of the 20th century, a new way of looking
at political science was developed. This new approach is known as the behavioural approach.
The new view's main thrust is treating politics as an activity and a process. In this context, new
definitions emerged.
Harold Laswell: Politics is the study of influence and the influence or the study of the shaping
and sharing of power.
David Easton: Politics is the authoritative allocation of values.
Catlin: Political Science is the study of the act of human and social control.
Andrew Heywood: Politics can be defined as an activity through which people make, preserve,
and amend the general rules under which they live.

So from the above definitions, politics refers to the distribution and exercise of power within a
society, and polity (gov) refers to the political institution through which power is distributed
and exercised. In any society decisions must be made regarding the allocation of resources and
other matters. Except perhaps in the simplest societies, specific people and often specific
organizations make these decisions. Depending on the society, they sometimes make these
decisions solely to benefit themselves and other times make these decisions to benefit the
society as a whole. Regardless of who benefits, a central point is this: some individuals and
groups have more power than others.

1. Key Concepts in Politics:

a. Power: The ability to influence or control the behavior of others.
b. Authority: Legitimate power recognized by society.
c. Policy: Decisions and actions taken to address public issues.
d. Ideology: Systems of beliefs guiding political behavior (e.g., liberalism,
socialism, conservatism).

a. Power
Power is the capacity of an individual, group, or institution to influence or control the
actions, decisions, and behaviors of others, often to achieve desired outcomes.

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Types of Power:

i. Coercive Power:

This type of power is derived from the ability to enforce compliance through threats or punitive
measures. Individuals or leaders wielding coercive power can compel others to act against their
will by instilling fear of negative consequences, such as disciplinary action or social ostracism.

Example: The Use of Curfews:

During a state of emergency, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, a government may
impose a curfew. Citizens who fail to comply with the curfew may face arrest or fines,
demonstrating the government's coercive power to enforce order.

ii. Reward Power:

Reward power is based on the capability to provide tangible benefits or incentives. This can
include anything from salary increases and bonuses to recognition and praise. Leaders who
effectively utilize reward power can motivate others to achieve desired behaviors or outcomes
by appealing to their interests and gaining positive reinforcement.

Example: Employee Incentives:

A company announces that employees who exceed their sales targets for the quarter will
receive a cash bonus or additional paid time off. This motivates employees to work harder to
meet or exceed expectations, leveraging reward power to influence behavior.

iii. Legitimate Power:

Rooted in formal authority, legitimate power arises from an individual’s position within a
recognized organizational hierarchy. This type of power is often granted by the organization
itself, allowing a person to make decisions and direct the actions of others based on their
officially sanctioned role, such as a manager or executive.

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Example: Government Officials:

A mayor implementing local policies or decisions based on the mandate given by voters in an
election. Citizens are expected to respect and comply with the mayor's decisions because the
authority is legitimized through the electoral process.

iv. Referent Power:

This power stems from an individual’s charisma and personal qualities that inspire loyalty and
admiration in others. Leaders who possess referent power can influence their followers through
their relatable traits, values, and the strong interpersonal relationships they cultivate, leading to
increased motivation and allegiance from their teams.

Example: Celebrity Endorsements:

A famous athlete promotes a brand of sports shoes, and fans purchase the shoes not because of
the product's features but because they admire and want to emulate the athlete.

v. Expert Power:

Expert power is based on specialized knowledge, skills, or expertise in a particular area.

Individuals with expert power are often relied upon for their insight and ability to make
informed decisions. Their influence stems from others' recognition of their competence, which
gives them the authority to guide or advise based on their proficiency.

Example: Technical Consultant:

A cybersecurity expert advising a company on how to protect its systems from hacking. The
company implements the expert's recommendations because of their deep knowledge and
expertise in cybersecurity.

Relevance in Politics:

 Power shapes political processes, policy decisions, and governance.

 The distribution and use of power affect the balance of interests and the resolution of
conflicts.

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b. Authority
Authority is power that is viewed as legitimate and is recognized by society or an
institutional framework. It is the right to command and be obeyed, based on laws, norms,
or traditions.

Types of Authority (Max Weber's Framework):

i. Traditional Authority: This type is rooted in long-standing customs and

practices, often exemplified by monarchies where power is inherited and
sustained through historical routines.
ii. Charismatic Authority: This authority emerges from an individual's exceptional
personal qualities. It is often seen in revolutionary leaders who inspire and
mobilize followers through their vision and charisma.

Example: Civil Rights Movement:

Martin Luther King Jr.'s leadership during the U.S. civil rights movement is
another example. His powerful speeches, vision of equality, and personal
magnetism motivated people to join the struggle for civil rights.

iii. Legal-Rational Authority: This form of authority is based on established laws

and institutional frameworks. It is typically associated with elected officials who
derive their power from formal procedures and regulations.

An example of legal-rational authority is a judge presiding over a court case and

making decisions based on established laws and procedures. The judge's authority
comes from the legal system and the rules that govern it, rather than personal traits
or traditional roles.

Relevance in Politics:

 Authority ensures stability and order in governance.

 It legitimizes the actions and decisions of political leaders and institutions.

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c. Policy
Policy refers to the decisions, plans, and actions taken by governments, organizations,
or institutions to address specific public issues or achieve particular objectives.

Components of Policy:

 Goals: These are the intended outcomes or specific objectives a policy aims to achieve.
Goals should be clear, measurable, and time-bound. They provide a direction for the
policy and serve as a benchmark against which success can be evaluated. They help
define the policy's purpose and guide decision-making throughout the policy process.
 Means: This refers to the various strategies, methods, and tools employed to reach the
established goals. Means can include legislation, regulations, programs, funding
mechanisms, or any actions taken to implement the policy. It involves identifying the
resources necessary for execution, as well as the techniques and approaches that will
be utilized to carry out the policy objectives effectively.
 Implementation: This is the critical phase where policies are translated into action.
Implementation involves structured steps to ensure the policy is executed effectively.
This may include developing action plans, assigning responsibilities, allocating
resources, and ensuring stakeholders are engaged. Effective implementation requires
clear communication, coordination among parties, and adherence to established
timelines.
 Evaluation: This component encompasses systematically assessing the policy's
effectiveness in achieving its goals. Evaluation involves collecting and analyzing data
to determine the policy's outcomes and impact. It also includes examining the processes
used during implementation, identifying any challenges faced, and recommending
improvements. Regular evaluation ensures accountability and facilitates informed
decision-making for future policy adjustments or new initiatives.

Relevance in Politics:

Policies reflect the priorities and values of political leaders and their constituencies.\n - They
are tools for addressing societal challenges like healthcare, education, or climate change.

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d. Ideology
Ideology is a set of beliefs, values, and ideas that guide political behavior, shape
governance strategies, and influence public policies.

2. Major Political Ideologies:

a. Liberalism: This ideology champions individual freedoms and rights, asserting

that every person should have the liberty to pursue their happiness as long as it
does not infringe upon the rights of others. Liberals advocate for equality before
the law and often support a government that is limited in power, designed to
protect individual rights without overreach. They argue for democratic
governance, civil liberties, and social justice, often supporting policies
addressing systemic societal inequalities.
b. Socialism: At its core, socialism promotes the idea that resources and means of
production should be owned or regulated collectively, either by the state or the
community. Socialists argue for economic equality and advocate for policies
that reflect a redistribution of wealth to ensure that basic needs are met for all
individuals. This ideology seeks to diminish the gap between the rich and the
poor, emphasizing that a fair society requires the equitable distribution of
resources and opportunities.
c. Conservatism: Conservatism is characterized by a respect for tradition and a
belief in the value of stability and order within society. Conservatives often
advocate for gradual change rather than radical reforms, valuing established
institutions and cultural norms. This ideology is grounded in a sense of
responsibility toward maintaining the foundations of society, including family,
religion, and government. Conservatives favor free-market economics, limited
government intervention, and a strong national defense.
d. Communism: Communism envisions a classless society where the means of
production are owned jointly, eliminating private property in favor of collective
ownership. The ideology aims to create a system where goods and services are
distributed according to need rather than profit. Communism is grounded in
Marxist theory and seeks to overthrow capitalist systems, often through
revolutionary means, to establish a society where wealth and power are equally
shared among all citizens.

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e. Fascism: This authoritarian ideology promotes a strong centralized government

led by a dictatorial leader, often emphasizing the supremacy of the nation over
the individual. It advocates intense nationalism and the belief in the superiority
of one's race or nation, frequently coupled with militarism and a disdain for
liberal democracy. In practice, fascist regimes suppress dissent and promote a
unifying state ideology, often utilizing propaganda and violence to maintain
control and eliminate opposition.

Relevance in Politics:

 Ideologies shape political platforms, campaigns, and policies.

 They provide a lens for interpreting social issues and mobilizing political support.

3. Politics as public affairs:

Is politics something associated solely with government and state? The term is widely used in
contexts other than those of the government and state. People are often said to act politically in
their relations with their bosses and colleagues in an office, in the club's management, or in
many other situations where government, state, and political parties are not mentioned.
Nevertheless, much Western political thinking rests on a distinction between the public realm
and private life. The distinction between the political and the nonpolitical coincides with the
division between an essentially public sphere of life and a private sphere. How can we
differentiate the public sphere from the private sphere? The traditional division between the
public and private realms conforms to the distinction between the state and civil society. The
state's institutions are considered part of the public sector, whereas the civil society belongs to
the private sector. Thus, the public sector is considered political, whereas the private sector is
nonpolitical. Therefore, politics is an essentially public activity that does not take place in the
private sphere of life. It does not have the right to infringe upon private institutions.

4. Politics as the Study of Conflict Resolution:

Some political scientists argue that conflict is at the very core of politics. Conflict is an inherent
aspect of society. Human beings are diverse, emerging from various cultural backgrounds and
possessing different, complex preferences. Individuals' wants are limitless, while the resources
available to societies are finite and generally insufficient to meet everyone's desires fully.

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Given this scarcity, choices must inevitably be made. This necessity for choice leads to conflict.
Such conflict arises not only between individuals but also between larger groups, countries,
and societies themselves. This competition revolves around access to or control over a society's
resources. Many political scientists view politics as a means to resolve conflict through
compromise, conciliation, and negotiation rather than through force, thus allowing people to
coexist in reasonable harmony. Politics is about finding peaceful conflict resolution through
compromise and consensus-building.

B. Government
Government refers to the structured system or organization through which a group of
people, community, or nation is governed. It establishes and enforces laws, policies, and
institutions to maintain order, provide public services, and promote the common welfare.

Government is an institution or group of institutions empowered to make and enforce laws,

regulate public affairs, and provide essential services to its citizens. It operates to ensure
order, protect rights, and achieve collective goals.

According to Aristotle, government is an institution with a clearly defined structure that

oversees and manages the affairs of the state based on a particular principle or ideology.
In his examination of government, Aristotle identified six forms: monarchy, tyranny,
aristocracy, oligarchy, polity, and democracy. He ultimately classified these forms into
two broad categories: "good government" and "bad government."

1. Core Principles of Government

a. Rule of Law: The principle that all members of society, including government
officials, are subject to the law.
b. Sovereignty: The authority of the government to govern within its territory
without external interference.
c. Legitimacy: The recognition and acceptance of a government's authority by its
citizens and the international community.
d. Accountability: Government officials are answerable to the public and must
act in their best interests.
e. Separation of Powers: Dividing government powers among legislative,
executive, and judicial branches to prevent abuse of power.

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2. Functions of Government

a. Legislation: Creating laws and policies to regulate behavior and ensure justice.
b. Administration: Implementing laws and managing the daily operations of the
state.
c. Defense and Security: Protecting the nation and its citizens from internal and
external threats.
d. Public Services: Providing essential services such as healthcare, education,
infrastructure, and welfare.
e. Economic Management: Regulating the economy, managing resources, and
ensuring fiscal stability.
f. Foreign Relations: Engaging with other nations and international organizations
to promote national interests.

3. Structures of Government

Governments are typically structured into three branches:

a. Legislative Branch: Makes laws and sets policies (e.g., parliaments or

congresses).
b. Executive Branch: Enforces laws and manages public administration (e.g.,
presidents, prime ministers, or cabinets).
c. Judicial Branch: Interprets laws and resolves disputes (e.g., courts and judges).

4. Forms of Government

a. Democracy: Power is vested in the people, often exercised through elected

representatives.
b. Monarchy: Rule by a hereditary leader, such as a king or queen.
c. Authoritarianism: Concentrated power in a single ruler or group, with limited
political freedoms.
d. Federalism: Division of powers between central and regional governments.
e. Unitary System: Centralized power with limited autonomy for regional
authorities.

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5. Purpose of Government

a. Maintain Order: Through laws, law enforcement, and justice systems.

b. Promote General Welfare: Ensuring access to essential services and
opportunities for all citizens.
c. Protect Rights: Safeguarding individual freedoms and human rights.
d. Facilitate Economic Growth: Through policies, infrastructure, and trade.

III. SCOPE OF POLITICS AND GOVERNMENT:

A. Scope of Politics

Politics encompasses all activities related to power, decision-making, and governance within a
society. Its scope is broad and extends across various levels of human interaction.

1. Local Politics:
o Focuses on decision-making and governance at the community or municipal
level.
o Involves local councils, mayors, and other community leaders managing issues
like infrastructure, public services, and local policies.
2. National Politics:
o Centers on the governance of a nation-state, including law-making, policy
implementation, and administration.
o Involves the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of government and
their interaction with political parties and interest groups.
3. International Politics:
o Concerns the relationships and interactions among states, international
organizations, and global actors.
o Topics include diplomacy, conflict resolution, trade agreements, and global
issues like climate change and human rights.
4. Theoretical and Ideological Dimensions:
o Politics examines ideas, ideologies, and philosophical debates about governance,
justice, equality, and freedom.
o It includes the study of political theories and their application in shaping
societies.
5. Policy and Public Administration:

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o Politics extends to the formulation and execution of public policies addressing

societal issues like education, healthcare, and security.

B. Scope of Government

Government refers to the institutional framework through which authority is exercised, laws
are made, and public policies are implemented. Its scope involves various domains and
functions:

1. Legislative Function:
o Making laws and regulations to govern society.
o Addressing issues like taxation, public welfare, and civil rights.
2. Executive Function:
o Enforcing laws and managing the day-to-day administration of the state.
o Includes functions like maintaining public order, managing public resources,
and implementing policies.
3. Judicial Function:
o Interpreting laws and resolving disputes.
o Ensuring justice, protecting individual rights, and upholding the rule of law.
4. Public Welfare and Services:
o Delivering essential services like healthcare, education, and infrastructure.
o Promoting economic stability and social development.
5. Defense and Security:
o Protecting the state and its citizens from internal and external threats.
o Managing armed forces, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies.
6. Foreign Relations and Diplomacy:
o Engaging with other states and international organizations to promote national
interests.
o Includes trade agreements, treaties, and conflict resolution.

IV. THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN LAW, POLITICS, AND GOVERNANCE:

Law, politics, and governance are interrelated components of societal organization, each
playing a crucial role in maintaining order, resolving disputes, and ensuring the effective
management of public affairs. Here's an exploration of their relationship:

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Law
Law refers to the set of rules and regulations established by a governing authority to regulate
behavior, resolve conflicts, and provide justice within a society.

Role of law in governance and politics:

i. Foundation of Governance: Law provides the legal framework within which

governance operates, defining the rights and responsibilities of institutions and
individuals.
ii. Regulation of Political Power: Legal systems limit and guide the exercise of political
power, ensuring accountability and adherence to principles such as the rule of law.
iii. Dispute Resolution: Courts and legal institutions mediate conflicts arising in the
political and governance domains.

Politics

Politics is the process of decision-making, negotiation, and power dynamics through which
societal goals are determined and pursued.

Role of politics in law and governance:

i. Influencing Law-Making: Political processes shape the creation and modification of

laws, reflecting the values and priorities of the ruling entities or society.
ii. Power Dynamics in Governance: Politics determines who holds power and how
decisions are made within governance structures.
iii. Policy Formulation: Politicians craft policies to address societal needs, which are
often codified into law for implementation.

Governance
Governance refers to the systems, institutions, and processes through which authority is
exercised, resources are managed, and societal goals are achieved.

Role of governance in law and politics:

i. Implementation of Law: Governance ensures that laws are enforced and adhered to,
maintaining social order and justice.

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ii. Mediator Between Law and Politics: Governance operationalizes political decisions
within the framework of established laws.
iii. Accountability Mechanisms: Governance systems monitor and evaluate political and
legal processes to ensure transparency and fairness.

The Interrelationship

1. Law Governs Politics and Governance:

o Legal frameworks set the boundaries for political actions and governance
practices, ensuring adherence to democratic principles, rights, and justice.
2. Politics Shapes Law and Governance:
o Political ideologies and power struggles influence the creation of laws and the
organization of governance structures.
3. Governance Implements and Balances Law and Politics:
o Governance operationalizes laws while navigating political dynamics, ensuring
that societal goals are achieved effectively and equitably.

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