Difference Between Government and Politics

Main Difference – Government vs Politics

Government and politics are two interrelated terms in social science. Government refers to a group of authorized people who govern a country or state at a given time. Politics refer to the process used by the government to govern the country or state. Government mainly refers to a select group of people whereas politics refer to a process. This is the main difference between government and politics.

What is a Government

Government refers to the group of people with the authority to govern a country or state at a given time. The main function of a government includes enforcing existing laws, legislating new laws, and arbitrating conflicts. Governments can exist at national, regional and local level but, local and local governments are subordinate to the national government. It is the government which is in charge of introducing and administering laws for a country and the people. The executive and legislative powers of a government rest with the government.

There are several types of governments; democracy, republic, democratic republic, and monarchy are some common types of governments. The government consists of administrative bureaucracy which is made of few chosen leaders. In democracies, the public has the right to elect the leaders, and they can also interfere in state matters.

Since the death of a ruler or defeat in an election can overthrow a government, governments are never permanent.

Difference Between Government and Politics

What is Politics

Politics are activities associated with the governance of a country or state.  To be precise, politics refers to the process used by the government to govern the country. Thus, there is an inherent relation between politics and government.

Politics can also refer to achieving and exercising positions of governance or organized control over a human community, particularly a state. Political science studies the distribution of power and resources within a given community and interrelationship between that community.

The term politics can also be used in other fields such as trade, business, education, etc. Here, politics mainly refer to the power structure within these fields.

Main Difference - Government vs Politics

Difference Between Government and Politics

Definition

Government refers to a group of authorized people who govern a country or state at a given time.

Politics refer to the process used by the government to govern the country or state

Type

Government refers to a group of people.

Politics refer to a process or system.

Field

Government is mainly found in governing the state.

Politics can be found in business, education and even religion.Difference Between Government and Politics - infographic

Image Courtesy:

“Government” CC BY-SA 3.0 NY via The Blue Diamond Gallery

“Politics” CC BY-SA 3.0 NY via The Blue Diamond Gallery

About the Author: Hasa

Hasanthi is a seasoned content writer and editor with over 8 years of experience. Armed with a BA degree in English and a knack for digital marketing, she explores her passions for literature, history, culture, and food through her engaging and informative writing.