Politics is derived from the Greek words polis, which means community and poli meaning many. Politics can be defined as the laws, methods and practices of a group that makes decisions.

Political philosophers seek to establish basic principles that will, for instance, justify a particular form of state, show that individuals have certain inalienable rights or tell us how a society’s material resources should be shared among its members.

“Government exists to protect us from each other. Where government has gone beyond its limits is in deciding to protect us from ourselves,” Ronald Reagan said.

The central problem of political philosophy is how to deploy or limit public power to maintain the survival and enhance the quality of human life.

Political philosophy may thus be viewed as one of the most important intellectual disciplines, for it sets standards of judgement and defines constructive purposes for the use of public power.

Hillary Rodham Clinton believes government is an essential partner in a three-sided relationship that also includes the free market and a ‘civil society’ of churches and non-profit groups.

“I am a big believer in self-help and personal responsibility and a work ethic that holds people responsible,” she said.

“But I know one of the reasons our country has been one of the most successful organisations in the world is because we got the balance right.”