Politics is a process by which decisions are made within groups. Although the term is generally applied to behavior within governments, politics is observed in all human (and many non-human) group interactions, including corporate, academic, and religious institutions.

Political science (also political studies) is the study of political behavior and examines the acquisition and application of power.

Alternate definitions

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Alternative definitions of politics have been proposed that fulfill the needs of differing perspectives. They include:

• Dictionary definitions, for example, "the art and science of government" ^*
• Textbook definitions, notably, a "process of conflict resolution in which support is mobilized and maintained for collective projects". -- An Introduction to Government and Politics ... Dickerson and Flanagan
• Theorists, such as Harold Lasswell, who defined politics as "who gets what, when, where, and how."
• and Practitioners like
  • Mao Zedong, who said "Politics is war without bloodshed while war is politics with bloodshed."
  • and Otto von Bismarck's cryptic remark, "Politics is the art of feasibility."

More on [ Politics ]

L.A. Times - Politics

McCain again shuffles top campaign aides
Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700
Newsom faces backlash after illegal immigrants' escape in San Bernardino County.
Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700
Pre-Fourth campaign news: lots of fireworks, little meat
Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0700

Politics

Obama’s Iraq Problem
George Packer Mon, 30 Jun 2008 04:00:00 -0000
In February, 2007, when Barack Obama declared that he was running for President, violence in Iraq had reached apocalyptic levels, and he based his candidacy, in part, on a bold promise to begin a rapid withdrawal of American forces upon taking office. At the time, this pledge represented conventional thinking . . .
What’s The Big Idea?
Dorothy Wickenden Mon, 23 Jun 2008 04:00:00 -0000
On October 7, 2002, in Cincinnati, Ohio, George W. Bush delivered the defining speech of his Presidency. In the face of “clear evidence of peril” from a regime harboring terrorists and weapons of mass destruction, he declared, “we cannot wait for the final proof--the smoking gun--that could come . . .
Map Quest
The New Yorker Wed, 18 Jun 2008 04:00:00 -0000
Steve Brodner paints the pivotal states in the electoral college.

washingtonpost.com - Politics

McCain Puts New Strategist Atop Campaign
Dan Balz and Michael D. Shear Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
Facing growing dissatisfaction both inside and outside his campaign, Sen. John McCain ordered a shake-up of his team yesterday, reducing the role of campaign manager Rick Davis and vesting political adviser Steve Schmidt with "full operational control" of his bid for the presidency.
Obama Calls for National Service
Jonathan Weisman Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
COLORADO SPRINGS, July 2 -- Continuing to press the themes of values, faith and patriotism, Sen. Barack Obama exhorted Americans on Wednesday "to step into the strong currents of history" and volunteer for service to their country, pledging to dramatically expand opportunities for those accepting...
Colombians Briefed McCain Before Rescue
Juliet Eilperin Thu, 03 Jul 2008 00:00:00 -0400
CARTAGENA, Colombia, July 2 -- Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) spoke repeatedly Tuesday and early Wednesday about how he would work as president to free three American hostages held by leftist guerrillas in Colombia, but he declined to reveal one key fact: Colombian President Álvaro Uribe and his aides...

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