A politician is an individual who is a formally recognized and active member of a government, or a person who influences the way a society is governed through an understanding of political power and group dynamics. This includes people who hold decision making positions in government, and people who seek those positions, whether by means of election, coup d'etat, appointment, conquest, right of inheritance (see also: divine right), etc. A politician can also include a person who is active in party politics, or a person who has the power to galvanize public opinion. Members of the government who serve purely functional roles, such as low ranking bureaucrats, or ordinary citizens with the power to vote cannot properly be called politicians.

However, since the term 'politics,' in the broadest sense, can be applied to any group decision making situation, any person manipulating the outcome of a group decision can be also be called a politician. For example, a worker participating in office politics is a politician, but only so far as the operations of his or her workplace are concerned.

In a state, individual politicians compose the executive branch of government and the office of Head of State, as well as the legislative branch, and regional and local levels of government. Other organs of government such as the judicial branch, law enforcement, and the military are not usually regarded as being composed of politicians, despite the fact that the men and women involved do government work, though it is important to note that some members of law enforcement, such as sheriffs, and many judges are elected or appointed because of their political views or popularity.

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Sify.com News

�Sarah Palin abused power in trooper case�
Sat, 11 Oct 2008 12:42:50 +0530
Sarah Palin unlawfully abused her power as governor by trying to have her former brother-in-law fired as a state trooper, the chief investigator of an Alaska legislative panel concluded on Friday. The politically charged inquiry imperilled her reputation as a reformer on John McCain's Republican ticket.
Be respectful to Obama: McCain
Sat, 11 Oct 2008 11:37:43 +0530
Republican presidential candidate John McCain has urged his supporters to be respectful of his rival, Barack Obama, despite their deep policy differences with the Democratic nominee.
Character issues; a key factor in US elections
Sat, 11 Oct 2008 11:30:57 +0530
Voter perceptions regarding character issues are often cited as a key factor in the outcome of presidential elections, but according to a new poll, results are mixed as to whether Barack Obama or John McCain is better suited to pass this year�s "character" test with voters.
Bajrang Dal deserves to be banned: Moily
Sat, 11 Oct 2008 10:05:26 +0530
Former Karnataka Chief Minister and head of the Congress party�s media cell, Veerappa Moily, on Friday told that the party is in favour of banning the right-wing Bajrang Dal and Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP).
Man to hold 'I was stupid' sign outside plant
Sat, 11 Oct 2008 00:41:11 +0530
A man who caused damage at a waste water treatment plant in Eau Claire has decided to pick public humiliation over jail time to pay for his crime.
Couple saw house in two after divorce
Sat, 11 Oct 2008 00:25:43 +0530
A couple in rural Cambodia have terminated their 18-year marriage with a divorce settlement that entailed sawing in two the wooden house they once shared.

India-The Times of India

Army foils infiltration in J&K; militant killed
A group of about four to five militants sneaked into Indian territory from the Pakistani side of the LoC into Poonch district. Security forces have launched searches in the area.
India not against US-Pakistan N-deal: Pranab
After signing the Indo-US nuclear agreement, External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee said every country has the right to use nuclear energy for peaceful purposes.
In pics: Week gone by

'Civil curfew' observed in Srinagar over PM visit
Life in Kashmir valley came to a standstill on Saturday as people observed "civil curfew" called by separatist coordination committee to protest against Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit and use of force by security personnel against peaceful demonstrators.
Dalai Lama's condition stable, to be discharged soon
Exiled Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, who underwent a gallbladder surgery at a hospital here, was in stable condition on Saturday and is likely to be discharged in a couple of days.
Militant killed in Manipur encounter, six others arrested
An unidentified militant was killed and six others were arrested in separate militancy-related crimes in Manipur, official sources said on Saturday.

Hindustan Times News Feeds 'India'

Lankan Tamils issue again comes to fore
The Sri Lankan Tamils issue which remained dormant ever since the assassination of late PM Rajiv Gandhi by the Tigers in 1991 is once again taking the centre stage of Tamil Nadu politics.
Head constable suspended for raping minor
A 15-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a police head constable, who was later suspended, a senior police officer said.
Amitabh Bachchan rushed to hospital in Mumbai
Bollywood superstar Amitabh Bachchan was today rushed to Nanavati hospital in Mumbai after he complained of stomach pain and high blood pressure.
India's first woman saint cheers Christians
Thousands of Christians were flocking to a small town in Kerala to celebrate the planned canonisation of a Roman Catholic nun, against a backdrop of the worst anti-Christian riots in decades.
Factbox: Christians in India, a tiny group
A Roman Catholic nun, Sister Alphonsa, will become India's first woman saint on Sunday when she is canonised by Pope Benedict at the Vatican. Here are five facts about Christianity in India.
'Civil curfew' observed in Kashmir valley
Life in Kashmir valley came to a standstill as people observed "civil curfew" called by separatists to protest against PM's visit and use of force by security personnel against peaceful demonstrators.

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