Final answer:
Games are defined by three key characteristics: rules that guide the game, players who participate, and objectives which are the goals players aim to achieve, similar to how politics operates.
Step-by-step explanation:
The three key characteristics of a game which can closely relate to the realm of politics – wherein competition, strategic choices, and achieving objectives are inherent – are best defined as rules, players, and objectives. Games must operate under a set of predefined rules; these guide the actions and limits within which players can operate. Players are the individuals or teams that participate in the game and interact with one another based on these rules to achieve their goals or objectives, which are the specific aims or purposes of the game, often interpreted as 'winning'. Whether the context is a board game or the strategic nature of political maneuvering, understanding these elements helps us appreciate the structure and function of the games we play.