What Are Politics? Understanding the Heart of Decision-Making

Politics is a word that sparks strong reactions—some roll their eyes, others lean in eagerly.

It’s a term thrown around in newsrooms, at dinner tables, and on social media, often tied to heated debates or grand promises.

But what exactly are politics, and why do they matter so much?

At its core, politics is about how people make decisions that shape society, from the laws we follow to the taxes we pay.

Let’s unpack this complex, fascinating, and sometimes messy concept in a way that feels real and relatable.

Defining Politics

Government panel - defining and explaining what politics are.

At its simplest, politics is the process of making decisions that apply to a group of people.

It’s how societies figure out who gets what, when, and how.

Political scientist Harold Lasswell put it best in 1936 when he described politics as “who gets what, when, how.”

Whether it’s a small town deciding where to build a new park or a nation choosing its leaders, politics is about navigating competing interests, values, and priorities.

The term comes from the Greek word politika, meaning “affairs of the city,” rooted in the idea of governing a community.

Today, politics encompasses everything from elections and laws to public policies and international relations.

According to the American Political Science Association, politics involves “the authoritative allocation of values for a society,” meaning it’s about deciding what’s important—be it healthcare, education, or economic growth—and who gets to decide.

The Building Blocks of Politics

Politics operates through systems, institutions, and people working together (or sometimes against each other).

Here are the key pieces:

Power and Authority: Politics revolves around power—who has it and how they use it. Power can come from elected office, wealth, or public influence. Authority is the legitimate right to wield that power, like a president signing a law or a mayor approving a budget.
Government Structures: Most societies organize politics through governments—democracies, monarchies, or other systems. In democracies like the United States, citizens elect representatives to make decisions, as outlined in the U.S. Constitution. The Pew Research Center notes that 57% of countries with populations over 500,000 were democracies in 2020, though styles vary widely.
Ideologies and Values: Politics is shaped by beliefs about how society should work. Liberals might prioritize social equality and government intervention, while conservatives often emphasize tradition and limited government, per Stanford University’s Encyclopedia of Philosophy. These ideologies guide policies and spark debates.
Public Participation: Politics isn’t just for politicians. Voting, protests, or even posting on platforms like X are ways people engage. In 2020, 65% of eligible U.S. voters turned out for the presidential election, a high not seen in decades, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Why Politics Matters

Politics touches every part of our lives, even if we don’t always notice. It decides how much you pay in taxes, whether your roads get fixed, or how your country responds to global issues like climate change. Here’s why it’s worth paying attention:

Shapes Resources and Opportunities: Politics determines how resources—like funding for schools or hospitals—are distributed. For example, the U.S. Congressional Budget Office reported that federal spending in 2024 allocated $1.7 trillion to healthcare programs like Medicare and Medicaid.
Drives Social Change: From civil rights laws to environmental regulations, politics is how societies tackle big issues. The passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, driven by political activism and legislative battles, reshaped racial equality in the U.S., as documented by the Library of Congress.
Influences the Economy: Political decisions, like setting interest rates or trade policies, ripple through markets. The Federal Reserve’s 2022 rate hikes to curb inflation, for instance, affected everything from mortgage rates to stock prices, per Bloomberg reports.
Reflects Values and Conflicts: Politics is a mirror of what a society cares about—and where it disagrees. Debates over immigration or gun laws show how deeply held beliefs clash, shaping laws and culture.

The Many Faces of Politics

Politics isn’t just about elections or government buildings.

It happens at different levels and in varied forms:

Local Politics: City councils and mayors handle issues like zoning or public safety. A 2023 study by the National League of Cities found that local governments spend 15% of their budgets on public safety, like police and fire services.
National Politics: This involves laws, policies, and leaders at the country level. In the U.S., Congress and the president shape national priorities, from defense to education.
International Politics: Countries negotiate trade deals, alliances, or climate agreements. The United Nations reported that 196 countries signed the Paris Climate Agreement to address global warming, a political effort with worldwide impact.
Everyday Politics: It’s not all formal. Workplace decisions, community organizing, or even family discussions about shared responsibilities involve political dynamics—negotiation, compromise, and power.

The Challenges of Politics

Politics can feel frustrating because it’s inherently messy.

People have different needs, and resources are limited.

Compromise is often necessary, but it can leave everyone a little unsatisfied.

As former U.S. President John F. Kennedy said, “Politics is a noble profession, but it’s also a tough one.”

Polarization—where groups become more divided—has grown, with Pew Research finding in 2020 that 80% of Americans viewed political opponents as a threat to the nation’s well-being.

Money also plays a big role.

Campaign financing can amplify certain voices, with OpenSecrets reporting that the 2020 U.S. election cycle cost $14.4 billion, raising questions about influence in politics.

How to Engage with Politics

You don’t have to run for office to be part of politics.

Here’s how anyone can get involved:

Stay Informed: Follow reputable sources like The New York Times, BBC, or government websites for accurate information. Lucky for you, FrankNez Media’s journalistic reports also cover political news to keep you informed.
Vote: It’s a direct way to shape who makes decisions. Local elections often have a bigger impact on daily life than national ones.
Speak Up: Write to elected officials, join community groups, or share informed opinions online.
Understand Both Sides: Politics thrives on debate. Reading across perspectives—like conservative and liberal think tanks—helps you see the full picture.