W8.2 Introduction to Sociology/Politics

1. Summarization
    Politics is the general term for group decision-making related to societal issues. Key components of politics are power, authority and violence. Political power gives one the ability to exercise their opinion in societal decision-making. Authority is the justification for that power. Violence is often a manner to enforce it. There are many different kinds of political systems and governments. Common known ones are monarchy, democracy, totalitarianism, oligarchy, communism and theocracy. In a democracy, there are often political parties through which citizens can vote for a representative to enforce their ideals. Ideology can be from topics like gender, age, race etc. In current, democracies there is an increasing trend of more extreme views.

2. What was interesting/what did you learn?
    In my home country, the Netherlands, we have a constitutional monarchy. Simply put, it is a mix between a monarchy and a democracy. Where the monarchy has more of a ceremonial role and the democratically chosen government enforces the policies. It's funny to see how and compare the different systems from how I'm used to it. Furthermore, the societal issues introduced in the article are particularly interesting. Since they are very actual in a lot of Western countries. Especially with how people are dividing more and more from each other to 'one side'. 

3. Discussion points
    There are two points that I would want to discuss. Firstly, what is the best political system? Should the current system change, and if so how? Will it still look similar or must there be something revolutionary? Secondly, how do the dividing opinions between left and right in the US? effect stability?

Jasper Toonen - 23 April 2023
Introduction to Information Sociology



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