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Guilherme Mazui

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What is the Difference Between Government and Politics?

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The main difference between government and politics lies in their definitions and the scope of their activities. Here are the key distinctions between the two:

  • Government: Government refers to the group of people that run a country or a state. It is a social science term that encompasses the system in control of a particular state, including appointed leaders who monopolize decisions and an administrative bureaucracy. Government is limited in running the state and is embodied by several appointed leaders.
  • Politics: Politics is a process or an activity that members of a society use to gain or lose power and resources. It refers to the process in which a group of appointed leaders, as well as the people of the country, follow to run the state. Politics can be found not only in government but also in education, corporations, and even religions. It involves activities that people engage in to get and retain power.

In summary:

  1. Government refers to the group of people that run the country, while politics refers to the process that this group of people follows to run the country.
  2. Government is limited in running the state, while politics can also be found in education, corporations, and even religions.
  3. Politics involves what people do to get and retain power, while governance is how they use that power once they have it.
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  • What is the Difference Between Government and Politics?
  • Comparative Table: Government vs Politics

    • Comparative Table: Government vs Politics

    Here is a table highlighting the differences between government and politics:

    Feature Government Politics
    Definition Government refers to the group of people that run a country and the system of rules and institutions they use to govern. Politics refers to the process in which a group of appointed leaders, as well as the people of the state, make collective decisions.
    Scope Limited to running the state and managing its affairs. Not limited to government and state affairs; can be found in various sectors of society, such as religion and social groups.
    Decision-making Government decisions are made by appointed leaders and are usually influenced by the people they govern, but not directly interfered with by the common people. Politics involves the actions of people within any given government body and can be influenced by various factors, such as public opinion and societal changes.
    Interference Government decisions are rarely interfered with by the influence of the common people. Politics is more susceptible to interference from various sources, such as public opinion, social changes, and the actions of individuals and groups within the government.

    In summary, government refers to the group of people responsible for running a country and the system of rules and institutions they use to govern, while politics refers to the process of making collective decisions by both appointed leaders and the people of the state.

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    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.