A 'politician' is an individual who is a formally recognized and active member of a
government, or a person who influences the way a
society is governed through an understanding of
political power and
group dynamics. This includes people who hold decision-making positions in government, and people who seek those positions, whether by means of
election,
coup d'état, appointment,
electoral fraud,
conquest, right of
inheritance (see also:
divine right) or other means.
Definitions
Considered a politician
★ A person who is active in
party politics.
★ In a
state, a member of the
executive branch of government, or the office of
Head of State, as well as the
legislative branch, and
regional and local levels of government.
★ Any person influencing
group opinions in his or her favor can be termed a politician. For example, a worker participating in
office politics is a politician, but only so far as the operations of his or her workplace are concerned.
★ Some law enforcement officers, such as
sheriffs, and many
judges who are elected or appointed because of their political views or popularity.
Not considered a politician
★ Members of government who serve purely functional roles, such as
bureaucrats.
★ Members of the
judicial branch, law enforcement, and the
military are not usually regarded as being politicians since they are generally executing or adjudicating established law and custom.
★ Ordinary citizens with the power to vote 'cannot' properly be called politicians even though they can participate in group decision-making. A politician participates in public debate that leads to a group decision being reached, while a voter is simply responding to that debate.
Criticism
Although members of governing bodies are often
honored, many people today have a poor opinion of politicians as a
class. Not only do people often disagree with their policies, they are sometimes seen as unscrupulous, willing to do anything to gain power, or abusive of their position and privileges.
Politicians can also be criticized for becoming "career politicians." A politician who makes politics the source of their income, yet has to face re-election every few years can be less likely to make bold decisions or side with an unpopular bill. Some feel that fear of "rocking the boat" leads to a stagnant political climate, in which it becomes hard to address injustices and create change. Various measures have been taken in attempt to mitigate this effect, such as the implementation of
term limits.
''see also:
political corruption''
References
★ Welch, Susan, John Gruhl, John Comer, and Susan M. Rigdon."Understanding American Government. 8th ed. Belmont, USA: Thompson Wadsworth, 2006"
★
"Merriam Webster Online Dictionary." Definition of politician 5 June 2006
See also
★
Richest American politicians
★
List of British politicians by wealth at death
★
Political compass
★
Political party
★
Muslim politicians
★
United States Politicians with Doctorates
External links
★
List of American Politicians by Year Born or Died
★
Political heroes
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