Which statement most accurately distinguishes between government and politics?

• A. Politics describes an institution, whereas government describes a social process.
• B. Politics refers to traditional authority, whereas government refers to rational-legal authority.
• C. Politics describes a social process, whereas government describes an institution.
• D. Politics and government are essentially interchangeable terms in sociology.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the key concepts involved. 'Government' refers to the formal structures and institutions that have the authority to make and enforce rules within a society.
2. Step 2: Recognize that 'politics' is the process through which individuals and groups negotiate, compete, and exercise power and influence within or outside those institutions.
3. Step 3: Distinguish between 'institution' and 'process'. An institution is an established organization or system, while a process is a series of actions or steps taken to achieve a particular end.
4. Step 4: Apply these definitions to the terms: government is an institution because it is a structured organization, whereas politics is a process because it involves the activities and interactions related to power and decision-making.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the most accurate distinction is that politics describes a social process, whereas government describes an institution.