Politics also goes hand in hand with the concept of power. Power, in any form of politics is of utmost importance, without power, politicians wouldn’t be able to enforce rulings on a population. Power concerns being able to get others to do/act as other people would like them to. Power can be enforced in a number of different ways, power, of course cannot be assumed unless the people with power have something strong to back up their rulings. Sometimes, force is used to provoke obedience (coercion), while a legitimate government will often not need to resort to means of force. People are likely to comply with the law simply because they believe the government to be making the correct decisions. Coercion and legitimacy work in tandem to maintain obedience.
Politics concerns people, people’s involvement in politics is key in running an efficient political system. Voting is possibly the most important aspect of political activity. Elections are held in which people vote for their preferred political party, while referendums also play a key part in making major political decisions. Political involvement doesn’t stop with voting. Pressure Groups can be joined in order to affect how a particular country is governed and what decisions are made. It is possible to join a party itself to offer active involvement in policies. Some prefer to not be involved in politics at all while others devote their lives to putting forward their own views.
People generally feel detached from politics. Although, politics is an integral part of every-day life, whether people like it or not. Interaction between individuals affects politics and therefore it is unavoidable to play a small role in the political process. Some people of course, have stronger views than others and seek greater active involvement in politics.
The Battle of Twyford Down is a model example of how activists against movements to build an M3 extension through an area of national heritage felt strongly towards their cause. Protesting eventually against the DoT, the activists were able to oppose plans dating back to 1970 formed by the government. Several stages of protest followed and the development of this extension was prolonged. Active involvement of ‘The Twyford Down Association’ proves that people have a great role to play in the making of decisions. Different methods of opposition to the plans were utilised. Though in this case, plans eventually went ahead to begin the extension scheme.
Politics functions at many different levels. People are involved in politics on small scale such as within a small society or community, families too have to adopt some form of politics in their everyday lives. Politics is therefore something which exists in most instances of life. Politics is often associated with how it operates on a larger (macro) scale. MPs, MEPs and local councillors are the core of politics on a macro scale. Politics is often about winning support from the electorate. Therefore, politics is concerned with winning the vote of potential supporters of a party. The media is greatly accountable for the views of the people and in turn how they vote and perceive politics in a country. Media is essential in politics and communicating political messages.
In the United Kingdom, the entire population are citizens of the state, and in effect, have to obey the rulings of the state which has supreme power (Sovereignty). The membership of a state is compulsory. The state governs a definite area of land. Parliament has complete power in this country, and has the right to make laws which cannot be challenged. Politics is present in how the government operates. Although it is said that the state have Sovereignty, it could be argued people have the power, since they choose who will rule them.
The UK monarch no longer has as much power as they used to and cannot influence politics in the same ways as before. This role is taken on instead, by the cabinet, which is a group of department leaders focussed on issues concerning their particular aspect of government. The cabinet is chaired by the Prime Minister. The House of Commons and the House of Lords makes up Parliament in the UK. ‘Bills’ (proposals) are often put through the House of Commons, though they must pass both Parliaments before being sent for ‘royal assent’.
In our, domestic system of politics, the adversarial system is always employed, at least two sides must have a say in decisions made, while in other countries the party with a mandate (authority) has complete rule. Often, though the party with the mandate in the UK will always make decisions as they wish – they always have the majority of seats in parliament and can rely on their support.
Politics is responsible for many different facets of society and plays a great role in everyone’s lives, to a lesser of greater extent. It operates at many different levels and for different purposes. Its fundamental aims are to make decisions based on conflict with a view to resolution while power is essential in any political setup.
