What is Politics? | Definition, Working, Advantages vs Disadvantages

Humans are social creatures and prefer to live in a society. In a society, every individual has a different point of view on every subject. Here some individuals do subjugate others with their opinion. This activity is known as politics. With this activity, a few people gain the power to govern others and the authority to make policies for the people. From the beginning of human civilization, politics remained integral to human society. In modern times, politics is used for government formation at the state and national levels. Let’s learn how politics work and the advantages and disadvantages of politics.

Key Takeaways

  1. Politics involves making decisions that affect a community or society as a whole.
  2. It encompasses elections, lobbying, and public policy formulation and implementation.
  3. Politics is important because it allows individuals and groups to have a say in how they are governed and to promote their interests.
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How does it work?

It is a decision-making activity in a group. With this process, an individual can influence the decisions of others. In short, politics is a power-gaining process that gives a person the power to govern others. The governing power can extend to a small community, tribe, state, or nation. From small to large, politics extends to all parts of human society.

Multiple methods are affianced in politics. These methods include expressing political views, negotiating with others, lawmaking, and exercising force against adversaries. According to many historians, politics was an integral part of human society from the beginning of mankind. The modern form of politics has evolved over centuries and is now employed on various social stages. Hence, anyone can observe the effect of politics on national and international governing bodies.

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Many experts in political affairs say that politics is all about power, where some individuals become powerful by influencing the policymaking process. These individuals are also known as politicians. They make policies which suit their interest more. Many times these politicians ally with other politicians for power gain. These people can also influence many people with their speech and political activity.

Advantages of politics

The first advantage of politics is that it gives society leaders. These leaders govern society in one way or another. Most successful leaders formulate governments and legislate policies for the people. Politics is also an activity that brings together people with similar points of view in one place. It also persuades people for mass movements and social activities. Another integral part of politics is negotiation. Applying political negotiation allows two parties to conclude any subject with a favourable outcome.

Disadvantages of politics

The biggest disadvantage of political activity is that it may increase factionalism in society. Due to this problem, society may get segregated into different groups, where one group follows one political view and another follows another. In the future, this factionalism can become the primary reason behind clashes and other social unrest.

Negative usage of politics may increase corruption and crony capitalism. It favors people from one group and deprives people of another group. Corruption and crony capitalism further increase the financial disparity in society. It makes one group of people rich and another group poor.

References
  1. https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=UlekDwAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PT4&dq=What+is+Politics&ots=J53TBevQTJ&sig=36SozHikV_gK1IrV1euAy3MU2Kc
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Emma Smith
Emma Smith

Emma Smith holds an MA degree in English from Irvine Valley College. She has been a Journalist since 2002, writing articles on the English language, Sports, and Law. Read more about me on her bio page.

26 Comments

  1. This commentary greatly illustrates the multifaceted nature of politics. It skillfully explores the complex interplay of power, governance, advantages, and disadvantages within political systems. A stimulating read.

    • Spot on, Martin. The article provides a balanced understanding of how politics operates and the repercussions. It encourages contemplation and analysis of political structures.

  2. The adverse implications of politics as emphasized in the article are alarming. The potential for increased factionalism and corruption due to negative political usage raises concerns regarding the true benefits of politics.

    • Agreed. The negative aspects illuminated in the article are compelling. This thought-provoking piece aptly highlights the worrisome implications of negative political usage.

    • Indeed, the article presents a sobering perspective on the dark side of politics. The adverse impact of political activity on society must be closely scrutinized and understood.

  3. The potential for politics to foster factionalism is a concerning aspect explored in the article. This candid analysis serves to underscore the need for in-depth scrutiny of the social ramifications of political activities.

    • I concur with your observation. The article adeptly unpacks the worrisome implications of factionalism in society, emphasizing the significance of critically examining the impact of politics.

    • Indeed, the potential for increased factionalism and divisive tendencies due to political activities is an issue requiring careful attention. This article offers an insightful contemplation of the topic.

  4. I find the author’s views engaging, especially where he explains the disadvantages of politics. However, I think the author should have taken a more critical standpoint when discussing the advantages of politics. Overall, I think the article raises interesting points about the role of politics in society.

    • I agree with your response. I found the evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages thought-provoking and it has inspired me to delve deeper into this topic. Thanks for sharing!

  5. This article provides a comprehensive overview of politics and its impact. It’s a valuable read for anyone looking to better understand how political systems function and their implications on society.

    • True, the article does a great job breaking down the different aspects of politics. I appreciate the clarity with which the advantages and disadvantages of politics are presented.

    • I agree with the viewpoints expressed in this article. The analysis of the impact and functioning of politics is commendable and insightful. A well-written and informative piece.

  6. The author’s analysis of the power dynamics and influence exerted in politics is intriguing. The insightful discussion on the means employed in politics provides a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

    • Absolutely, the elucidation of the processes and means within politics is thought-provoking. The author provides a comprehensive and enlightening perspective on the topic.

  7. I have to disagree with the positive portrayal of politics in this article. The negative usage of politics causing corruption and factionalism is too significant to ignore and seems to outweigh the advantages. This aspect needs to be thoroughly addressed.

    • Your point is well taken. The potential negative repercussions of politics should indeed be more critically examined in the article.

  8. The comprehensive analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of politics in the article provides an insightful glimpse into the intricate workings of political activities. It inspires a reflective examination and understanding of politics.

    • Well-articulated. The article provides a nuanced analysis of the benefits and pitfalls of politics, encouraging a reflective and comprehensive understanding of the subject matter.

    • I agree with your assessment, Elsie. The article presents a thorough exploration of the multifaceted dimensions of politics, stimulating contemplation of its impact on society.

  9. The balanced discussion of the advantages and disadvantages of politics in the article offers a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. It promotes a reflective assessment of the societal influence of political activities.

    • I concur with your assessment. The balanced examination of the implications of politics fosters critical thinking and encourages a broader appreciation of the multifaceted nature of political activities.

    • Absolutely. The article offers a nuanced perspective on the societal implications of politics, fostering a thoughtful consideration of the subject and its impacts.

  10. The multifaceted nature of politics has been astutely examined in the article. It presents a compelling analysis of the diverse facets of political activities, reinforcing the need for critical evaluation.

    • Well said. The article effectively dissects the multifaceted dynamics of politics, raising pertinent questions about the implications of political activities. A compelling analysis.

    • Absolutely, the article provides an insightful contemplation of the intricacies of politics and its societal impacts. An intelligent and thought-provoking piece.

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