Final answer:
Governments are authoritative institutions making laws for citizens, while politics involves the process of policy-making. Political parties advocate for policies and organize government. Various theoretical perspectives explain the role and functions of government, and different political conditions result in diverse policies.
Step-by-step explanation:
Government and Politics: What's the Difference?
Governments are institutions with the authority to make laws, decisions, and actions for the citizens of a nation or territory. Politics, on the other hand, involves the process and methods by which government policies are formed and affairs are conducted.
Political Parties and Their Purpose
Political parties are essential in a democracy as they provide a structure for political action. Their purpose is to aggregate and advocate for particular policies, provide a choice of governance to the electorate, and help to organize government administration.
Different Types of Political Parties and Systems
There are various types of political parties including but not limited to single-issue parties, ideological parties, and ruling parties within one-party systems, multi-party systems, and two-party systems. The difference among political parties reflects ideological and policy preferences as well as the nature of the electoral system.
Theoretical Perspectives on Government and Power
Functionalists see government as serving vital functions for society. Conflict theorists view government as a tool for maintaining the status quo and benefitting those in power. Interactionists focus on the day-to-day occurrences and the role of government in everyday life.
Government Functions and Policies
Governments have several levels with different structures and functions, such as the federal and state levels in the United States. They also work within constitutional limits to execute domestic and foreign policies. The political conditions leading to variations in policies include historical context, economic circumstances, social movements, and the balance of political powers.