Define "politics" in terms of political controversy, public questions, and public problems.

Define and describe politics in terms of its distributive effects. What is Harold Lasswell's definition of "politics"? Explain his definition. How does David Easton define the term "political system"? What is his definition of "politics"? Explain what Easton means by the word "value"? Why is there conflict over the distributive consequences of politics? What stakes are involved?

Define and describe politics in terms of the pursuit and interplay of interests. How does Karl Deutsch define "politics"? Explain his definition. How can Deutsch's definition be used to explain or account for the existence and operation of political interest groups? What are political interest groups? What role do they play in politics? What important claims are made on a political society, or community?

Describe the role of American government in politics and political conflict.

Define "government." Identify and explain six distinguishing features of governmental institutions, or public institutions.

Identify and explain ten major functions of modern government.

Define "politics" in terms of political power. How do John M. Pfiffner and Frank P. Sherwood define "politics"?

What is political power? What is political behavior? What is the relationship between political power and political behavior?

What is the relationship between political power and public policy? Define "political power" in terms of public policy.

In American society, do all persons who exercise political power hold formal positions in the government? Explain.

Distinguish between political authority and political influence.

What is meant by "legitimate political authority"?

Identify and explain the basic cause or primary source of political conflict within a society.

In a society with a free and competitive, constitutional democratic system of government, how does competition for political authority differ from competition for political influence? Describe the role of political parties in political competition. Describe the role of political interest groups in political competition.

Political interest groups are issue-specific, policy-area-specific political organizations. Explain.

What is a political elite? How do the members of a political elite differ from most members of society?

What is a power elite? Distinguish between political elitism and political pluralism?

Describe the distribution of political power among elites within American society.

Compare and contrast elite competition for political authority with elite competition for political influence.

What is meant by "elite accomodation"?

What are political resources? Cite examples of political resources.

Control of political resources gives a political actor a political power base. Explain.

Every modern political society is characterized by political inequality. Explain.

Account for the uneven and unequal distribution of political power in the U.S.A.

What is the relationship between political resources and economic resources?

What is meant by "political money"? What is the relationship between political money and other political resources?

Why does a person become active in politics? Why does a political actor seek political power? What is his ultimate objective?