the word "politics" is singular?

Question

??? help

Answer 1

The word is treated as a singular for some purposes, as plural for others. Check the following dictionary usage note:

Usage Note: Politics, although plural in form, takes a singular verb when used to refer to the art or science of governing or to political science: Politics has been a concern of philosophers since Plato. But in its other senses politics can take either a singular or plural verb. Many other nouns that end in -ics behave similarly, and the user is advised to consult specific entries for precise information.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/politics

If you check out other "-ics" words that can be used to denote a "field of study or endeavor", you'll see a similar variation between singular and plural. Examples: economics, mechanics, physics. ("Mathematics" is now ONLY used as a singular.)

Answer 2

A lot of time when we use politics, it seems to function as a modifier.
For example, if I we were talk about the politics of abortion, I would use a singular verb depending upon abortion. But if were to talk about the politics of symbolic issues, I would a plural verb depending upon issues.
What do you think?