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