1. KEY DEFINITIONS & RULES OF THE GAME What is politics?

2. Part I: What is politics?

3. Our definition of politics: Politics is: the authoritative allocation of things of value.

4. What is power? Power is: getting other people to do what you want them to do.

5. What is authority? Authority is: the legitimate right to use power. (i.e., the decision-maker).

6. Before next class, identify a specific recent everyday 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 discuss the result. Your assignment:

7. Part II: Coach Hall’s Rules of Politics

8. Rule #1 Individual survival/ ambition.

9. Rule #1 - Example Ted Cruz refuses to criticize Donald Trump. “You want me to say something bad about Donald Trump? I’m not going to do it.” -- CNN July 18, 2015

10. Why would Ted Cruz suck up to Donald Trump? 2016 Republican Nomination Poll Averages Rule #1 - Example

12. Rule #2 Build/maintain party strength.

13. Rule #2 - Example Many Republican leaders support a path to legal status for illegal immigrants. Hispanic Vote

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

15. Part III: Wedge issues

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

17. Partisan Identification Do you consider yourself: Democrat = 28% Republican = 23% Independent = 46% Source: Gallup poll, July 2015

18. Partisan Identification (cont.) Asked of self-proclaimed Independents, which way do you lean? Democrats (w/ leaners) = 47% Republican (w/ leaners) = 41% Neither = 13% Source: Gallup poll, July 2015

19. Wedge Issues: Example #1 Guns. Democrats: Background checks for all gun purchases. Republicans: 2 nd Amend guarantee. 83% of Americans favor. 73% of Americans favor. Source: Gallup poll, Apr., 2013

20. 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