1. Key Definitions & rules of the game
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. getting other people to do what you want them to do.
What is power?
Power is:
getting other people to do what you want them to do.

5. the legitimate right to use power. (i.e., the decision-maker).
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. Coach Hall’s Rules of Politics
Part II:
Coach Hall’s Rules of Politics

8. Individual survival/ ambition.
Rule #1
Individual survival/ ambition.

9. Hillary Clinton recently criticized Obama on foreign policy.
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

10. Obama foreign policy approval rating
Rule #1 - Example
Why would Hillary try to distance herself from Obama?
Obama job approval
Obama foreign policy approval rating

11. Build/maintain party strength.
Rule #2
Build/maintain party strength.

12. Rule #2 - Example
Since the 2012 election, many Republican leaders support a path to citizenship for illegals.
Hispanic Vote

13. Make good policy. Rule #3 Important Note: Good POLITICS is one thing.
Good POLICY is very often something different.

14. Part III:
Wedge issues

15. A Wedge Issue is: What is a wedge issue? an issue that unites
your party, appeals to independent voters, and divides the opposition.

16. Partisan Identification
Do you consider yourself:
Democrat = 31%
Republican = 26%
Independent = 40%
Source: Gallup poll, Aug., 2014

17. 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