Key Definitions

1
What is politics?

• Key Definitions rules of the game

2
Part I What is politics?
3
Our definition of politics

• Politics is

the authoritative allocation of things of value.
4
What is power?

• Power is

getting other people to do what you want them to
do.
5
What is authority?

• Authority is

the legitimate right to use power.
(i.e., the decision-maker).
6
Your assignment

• 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.

7
Part II

• Coach Halls Rules of Politics

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Rule 1

• Individual survival/ ambition.

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Rule 1 - Example

• Hillary Clinton recently criticized Obama on
  foreign policy.

Great nations need organizing principles and
Dont do stupid stuff is not an organizing
principle. -- Atlantic Monthly interview, Aug.
10, 2014
10
Rule 1 - Example

• Why would Hillary try to distance herself from
  Obama?
• Obama job approval
• Obama foreign policy approval rating

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Rule 2

• Build/maintain party strength.

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Rule 2 - Example

• Since the 2012 election, many Republican leaders
  support a path to citizenship for illegals.

Hispanic Vote
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Rule 3

• Make good policy.

Important Note Good POLITICS is one thing. Good
POLICY is very often something different.
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Part III

• Wedge issues

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What is a wedge issue?

• A Wedge Issue is

an issue that unites your party, appeals to
independent voters, and divides the opposition.
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Partisan Identification

• Do you consider yourself
• Democrat 31
• Republican 26
• Independent 40

Source Gallup poll, Aug., 2014
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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
18
Wedge Issues Example 1

• Guns.

Republicans 2nd Amend guarantee.

• 73 of Americans favor.

Democrats Background checks for all gun
purchases.

• 83 of Americans favor.

Source Gallup poll, Apr., 2013
19
Wedge Issues Example 2

• Immigration.

Democrats Dream Act/Dream-Lite.

• 84 of Americans favor.

Republicans Tighter border security.

• 77 of Americans favor.

Source Pew poll, June, 2013