Politics is the organized set of actions that involve making judgments in groups, or various forms of political power relationships between individuals, for the purpose of creating and maintaining societal order or polity. The field of social science that studies government and politics is known as political science. Politics has three different perspectives: classical liberalism, democratic socialism, and revisionist right-wingism. Each of these three perspectives has differing conceptions of what politics means and how it is related to society.
For example, classical liberal thinkers believe that politics has little to do with individual freedom, because politics is an intergovernmental concern. Classical liberal thinkers believe that political participation is the means to understand human freedom and this process is achieved through popular participation in political parties, civil unions and other political institutions. A classical liberal political thinker believes that disabilities resulting from disabilities cannot be changed, because the essence of political participation is the right to effect policy and create laws by popular consensus. Individuals who belong to political parties then consent to political considerations as a means of understanding their entitlements and freedoms.
Social scientists who adhere to a more liberal perspective believe that humans are capable of self-rule and do not need to be ruled by anyone. This is in contrast to the right-wing political scientists who argue that humans are inherently conservative and do best when ruled by others. In addition to these two types of political scientists there are also sociological scientists who study societal patterns and institutions, and their effect on politics. There are also political scientists who study the impact of technology on politics. All political scientists agree that politics and social organization play an important role in the making of culture. Therefore, politics has a strong impact on the way culture is created and spread.
Those interested in politics should consider a variety of majors in political science. Some of these majors include American government and political science, which often require internships at national, state, and local levels. At the local level students may learn about municipal politics in New York City, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Students also can focus their studies at the national level, studying national politics and reviewing policymaking at the local level.
Many students choose to major in journalism, which includes writing about politics and public policy. Students in this program learn how to write effective stories and persuade their readers to support a particular political position. One major skill students will learn in this program is how to use persuasive writing to influence the audience. Another skill learned in journalism majors is persuasive editing. Students in this program learn how to edit political ads and how to edit documents to eliminate or soften negative statements.
Political scientists also may choose to specialize in one specific area of politics. For instance, they may want to concentrate their studies in American government and elective politics. Elected officials depend on their constituents to pass legislation. Studying this degree allows students to understand how elected officials make decisions and influence voters.
Journalists are another group that benefit from learning how to edit. Like politicians, journalists must inform the public about significant decisions made by elected officials. As in politics, some elected officials will be more likely to agree with certain views than others. Learning about media relations allows journalists to influence those officials, making it easier for them to agree with their own perspectives and to make decisions that benefit their fellow citizens.
The study of politics has many different concentrations. Studying how various tactics to help shape our culture and society. Some tactics are self-explanatory, like bullying and harassment. Others involve using manipulative tactics to get others to do one’s bidding. In all ways, mastering these skills makes it possible to influence others to act in politically beneficial ways.
