The Golden Compass Theme of Politics

Where there's power there's politics, and in The Golden Compass there's plenty of both. The book dramatizes the struggle for power and resources among many competing factions: the Oxford scholars, the General Oblation Board, the witches, the gyptians, the bears, Lord Asriel, Mrs. Coulter – even Lyra herself. Each party has its own agenda, motives, and inclinations. Politics becomes a way for certain characters and groups of characters to serve their own interests.

1. Why does Lord Asriel show the scholars a frozen head? What are his political goals?
2. Why does the Magisterium want to take away the gyptians' right to free movement?
3. What's the political position of the witches? The bears?
4. What are Mrs. Coulter's goals? Why is she working with the Church and the General Oblation Board?

In The Golden Compass, all of the characters involved in politics are prone to immoral behavior.