politics Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun social relations involving intrigue to gain authority or power
political relation.
- office politics is often counterproductive
noun the study of government of states and other political units
government; political science.
noun the profession devoted to governing and to political affairs
noun the opinion you hold with respect to political questions
political sympathies.
noun the activities and affairs involved in managing a state or a government
- unemployment dominated the politics of the inter-war years
- government agencies multiplied beyond the control of representative politics

Cf. F. politique, Gr. (sc.). See Politic.

The science of government; that part of ethics which has to do with the regulation and government of a nation or state, the preservation of its safety, peace, and prosperity, the defense of its existence and rights against foreign control or conquest, the augmentation of its strength and resources, and the protection of its citizens in their rights, with the preservation and improvement of their morals.
The management of a political party; the conduct and contests of parties with reference to political measures or the administration of public affairs; the advancement of candidates to office; in a bad sense, artful or dishonest management to secure the success of political candidates or parties; political trickery.
When we say that two men are talking politics, we often mean that they are wrangling about some mere party question. F. W. Robertson.