Politics: Who Gets What, When, How

By Harold D. Lasswell

Book Overview

Politics: Who Gets What, When, How by Harold Dwight Lasswell is a classic political science book that explores the fundamental question of how power is distributed in society. The book provides an overview of the various theories and models of politics, including the traditional views of power, the pluralist perspective, and the elitist theory. It also examines the role of interest groups, political parties, and the media in shaping political outcomes. Lasswell's book is divided into three parts. The first part focuses on the basic concepts of politics, such as power, authority, and legitimacy. The second part delves into the different forms of political systems, including democracy, authoritarianism, and totalitarianism. The final part explores the various actors and institutions that make up the political system, such as interest groups, political parties, and the media. Overall, Politics: Who Gets What, When, How is a comprehensive and insightful overview of the field of political science. Lasswell's writing is clear and concise, making it accessible to both students and general readers. The book remains a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding how power is distributed in society and how political systems function.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1258035707
• ISBN13: 9781258035709
• Release Date: June 2011
• Publisher: Literary Licensing, LLC
• Length: 274 Pages
• Weight: 1.26 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Lasswell Influence among the elite

With slight modification of one of the Lasswell communication paradigms, the author enters into discussion of who, among the power elite receives what benefits, at what particular time and by what means. "Skill in handling persons by means of significant symbols and their manipulation involves the use of whatever current media exists at the time." Thus Pres. Rosevelt used the "Fireside Chat" via radio, while TV was the medium used by Pres. Regan,"the great communicator." Lasswell concentrates on Methods:Symbols,Violence,Goods,Practices and Results: Skill,Class, Personality, Attitudes. Parmount among polticians are: agitators and organizers. The former are favored by crisis, and the latter during those periods between crises. Lasswell is quick to point out that the "quick fix" doesn't work because of need for "incessant reappraisal of the shifting lines of communal insecurity." I highly recommend my mentor and friend. You can't go wrong with his insights!

Politics: a practical and historical approach

The late Professor Lasswell wrote this book decades ago, but his obserations have stood strong according to the political systems of the present day. To Lasswell, politics is not an esoteric, complicated subject, but rather a study in which every citizen plays an integral role. Politics is truly as simply as Lasswell's title. Perhaps most intriguing is Lasswell's ability to incorporate the analogs of major (and minor) historical events into his political theory. He engages events ranging from the Civil War to the French Revolution. Thus, Lasswell integrates politics into history, and history into politics. In short, the book is just as effective a tool for political scientists as it is for historians.