key definitions & rules of the game what is politics?
TRANSCRIPT
Key Definitions & rules of the game
What is politics?
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?
• Authority is:
the legitimate right to use power. (i.e., the decision-maker).
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.
Your assignment:
Part II:
Coach Hall’s Rules of Politics
Rule #1
Individual survival/ ambition.
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
Why would Hillary try to distance herself from Obama?
Obama job approval
Obama foreign policy approval rating
Rule #1 - Example
Rule #2
Build/maintain party strength.
Rule #2 - Example
• Since the 2012 election, many Republican leaders support a path to citizenship for illegals. Hispanic Vote
Rule #3
Make good policy.
Important Note:Good POLITICS is one thing.Good POLICY is very often something different.
Part III:
Wedge issues
What is a wedge issue?
A Wedge Issue is:
an issue that unitesyour party, appeals to independent voters, and divides the opposition.
Partisan Identification
Do you consider yourself: Democrat = 31% Republican = 26% Independent = 40%
Source: Gallup poll, Aug., 2014
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
Wedge Issues: Example #1
Guns.
Democrats: Background checks for
all gun purchases.
Republicans: 2nd Amend guarantee.
• 83% of Americans favor.
• 73% of Americans favor.
Source: Gallup poll, Apr., 2013
Wedge Issues: Example #2
Immigration.Democrats: Dream Act/Dream-Lite.
Republicans: Tighter border security.
• 84% of Americans favor.
• 77% of Americans favor.
Source: Pew poll, June, 2013