According to Harold D. Lasswell, what does politics involve?

Harold D. Lasswell, a notable political scientist, defined politics in terms of resources and power distribution within society. His famous phrase "Who gets what, when, and how" encapsulates the essence of political interaction and decision-making. This definition emphasizes not just the allocation of resources—material goods, opportunities, and services—but also the timing of those distributions and the processes by which they are determined.

By focusing on "who" receives resources, "what" they receive, "when" these distributions occur, and "how" they are orchestrated, Lasswell’s formulation highlights the dynamics of power, equity, and governance in political contexts. This perspective allows for an analysis of various political systems, the role of authority, and the effects of policy decisions on different demographics within society.

Other options, while related to aspects of political processes, do not capture the comprehensive nature of Lasswell's definition. For instance, focusing solely on "what gets built" or "who votes" narrows the broader political dynamics that involve not just construction or electoral processes but the intrinsic issues of resource distribution pivotal to governance and power relationships.