Politics Meaning
Politics Definition & Usage
The activities, actions, or policies used to gain and hold power in a government or to influence the decisions of a country or society.
Examples
- "The country's politics have been dominated by corruption for years."
- "She studied politics at university and now works as a political consultant."
- "The upcoming election is expected to significantly change the national politics."
- "There was a heated discussion about politics at the dinner table last night."
- "Many young people are becoming more engaged in politics, especially through social media."
The art or science of influencing people on a civic or individual level, often used informally or pejoratively to refer to manipulative behavior.
Examples
- "He’s always playing politics, trying to get ahead in the workplace."
- "Her decision to help him was just politics; she was trying to secure his support for a future project."
- "In that meeting, it was clear that a lot of politics were at play."
- "The company's internal politics often make it difficult to work there."
- "She used office politics to rise to the top of the organization."
A branch of knowledge that deals with systems of government and the analysis of political ideas, institutions, and behavior.
Examples
- "He wrote his thesis on the politics of ancient Greece."
- "Political science is a field that combines history, law, and economics."
- "Many students today are pursuing careers in politics or political science."
- "She is taking a class on international politics this semester."
- "Understanding the politics of the 20th century is crucial to comprehending current global conflicts."
Cultural Context
Politics as a concept has roots in ancient Greek philosophy, especially in the works of Aristotle, who discussed the role of governance and civic duty. Over the centuries, political systems have evolved from monarchies to democracies, with the structure of modern politics varying greatly between different nations and cultures.
The Politics of Power
Story
The Politics of Power
In a bustling city, two childhood friends, Maya and Lucas, found themselves on opposite sides of a heated political debate. Maya had always been passionate about social justice and equality, while Lucas, who had recently become involved in local politics, believed in the power of economic growth to solve most issues. At a small café, they began to argue about the best approach to their city's challenges. 'You don't get it,' Maya said, shaking her head. 'Politics isn't just about power and policy, it's about people! How can you focus on economic policies without addressing inequality first?' Lucas leaned back in his chair, a smile playing on his lips. 'Politics is all about power, Maya. You need to win the game to make a difference. The policies I’m working on will lift the whole economy, and that will trickle down to everyone. Besides, this isn't just theoretical – it's real politics.' Maya frowned. 'Real politics? You mean the kind that’s all about maneuvering and playing games to get what you want? That’s exactly what I don't want in politics!' The conversation shifted to their work. Maya had recently started a non-profit focused on community development, while Lucas had become involved in his local council. 'The politics at city hall,' Lucas mused, 'is all about alliances. It's not always about what’s right, but who you know and what you can offer. I’ve learned that the hard way.' Maya sighed, 'And that's the problem with politics. You’re telling me that to make a difference, you have to play a game, but I don’t believe that.' As their debate continued, they realized they were both right – the world of politics was complicated, full of strategy, manipulation, and idealism. They both knew they wanted to change their world, but the path they would take was very different. While Lucas worked within the system, Maya chose to challenge it from the outside. In the end, both of them understood that politics was not just about one ideology but about the constant balance of power and the ways in which people fought for what they believed in.
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