Politics is more than what politicians do. Do you agree with this statement? Give examples.
Yes, I agree with the statement that politics is more than what politicians do.
Politics involves citizens' active participation in shaping society. We take lively interest in what governments do, form associations, organise campaigns, and articulate our demands. When we disagree with government policies, we protest and organise demonstrations to persuade the government to change existing laws.
Politics also involves ideas and principles that shape social life. Thinkers like Rousseau, Marx, and Gandhi did not become politicians, yet their ideas influenced generations of politicians everywhere. Political theory examines concepts like freedom, equality, and justice.
Politics arises from the fact that we have different visions of what is just and desirable. It is an integral part of any society involving collective decision-making. Social institutions like family, tribes, and economic institutions help us find ways of living together. Thus, politics extends far beyond just what politicians do.
Explanation
The textbook clearly distinguishes between a narrow view of politics (what politicians do) and a broader understanding. It provides multiple examples of how ordinary citizens engage in politics through associations, campaigns, protests, and debates. The context also highlights how thinkers who never held political office contributed significantly to political thought. The statement that 'politics envelops us like the coils of a snake' reinforces that politics pervades all aspects of society, not just the actions of politicians.