The Definitions of Politics - by James N. Danziger
http://www.faculty.uci.edu/scripts/UCIFacultyProfiles/DetailDept.CFM?ID=2600
Understanding the Political World: A Comparative Introduction to Political Science.
The common definitions of Politics:
1. The exercise of power.
2. The public allocation of things that are valued.
3. The resolution of conflict.
4. The competition among individuals and groups pursuing their interest.
5. The determination of who gets what, when and how.