Introduction
Definitions
Nature of Political Science
Scope of Political Science
Approaches of Political Science
Relationship of Political Science with Other Social Sciences
Comparison
Summary
1. Introduction of Political Science
Political Science is the investigation of the state, government, and politics. It analyzes how power and
authority are allocated and utilized in societies. "Politics" was derived from the Greek term polis, which
refers to city-state.
2. Definitions:
Aristotle: "Political Science is the master science which deals with how to make a good
society."
David Easton: "Political Science is the study of the authoritative allocation of values."
Garner: "Political Science begins and ends with the state."
3. Nature of Political Science
1. Descriptive and Normative
Political Science is a factual as well as value-based science. It explains how political behavior,
institutions, and systems work (descriptive). It also implies how these systems should be in order to attain
justice, equality, and good government (normative).
2. Social Science
As a sub discipline of social sciences, Political Science examines human conduct in political
environments—like voting, roles of leaders, or popular opinion. It is concerned with the way people and
groups engage with power, authority, and legislation within a community.
3. Dynamic and Evolving
Political Science is not a fixed subject; it changes with time. As societies encounter new challenges such
as globalization, technology, or climate change, political theory and practice also shift to respond to new
emerging political problems.
4. Interdisciplinary
Political Science has close relationships with other disciplines like sociology (society), economics
(resources), psychology (behavior), history (past events), and law (legal systems). Political scientists learn
about political events in a more profound manner and from various angles through these disciplines.
, 4. Scope of Political Science
1. Political Theory
Political theory involves concepts and principles such as justice, liberty, equality, rights, and democracy.
Political theory engages in philosophical issues regarding the best state and moral governance. Thinkers
such as Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, and Rousseau are at the center of this subfield.
2. Comparative Politics
This discipline compares political institutions of various nations. It assists in comprehending how various
governments function, their institutions, policies, and political culture. Through comparison, experts
determine the strengths and weaknesses of every system.
3. International Relations
International Relations (IR) examines state-to-state interactions, such as diplomacy, war, peace, foreign
policy, and global institutions like the UN. It also examines global problems such as terrorism, global
warming, and human rights.
4. Public Administration
Public Administration deals with the organization and operation of government departments and agencies.
It analyzes how public policies are administered and how bureaucracy works in providing services to the
people with efficiency.
5. Political Philosophy
This field deals with the thoughts and ideas of great political thinkers regarding the nature of the state,
justice, governance, and freedom. It links moral values to political systems and inquires what makes a
society just or equitable.
6. Political Economy
Political economy is the study of politics and economics. It discusses how economic systems are
influenced by political decisions and vice versa, covering topics such as capitalism, socialism, and mixed
economies.
7. Constitutional Law
This field in Political Science looks at the structure, functions, and authority of various institutions as
outlined in the constitution. It covers the study of duties, rights, and the legal framework under which a
government operates.
8. Political Sociology
Political Sociology examines society-politics interaction. It explores how class, religion, ethnicity, and
culture shape political behavior and how, reciprocally, political systems form society.
9. Political Psychology
Political Psychology examines how psychological processes at the individual level influence political
behavior—e.g., voting decisions, political views, leadership. It explains mass movements, propaganda,
and public opinion.
10. Development Studies
This field is concerned with the political and economic growth of nations, particularly in the Global
Definitions
Nature of Political Science
Scope of Political Science
Approaches of Political Science
Relationship of Political Science with Other Social Sciences
Comparison
Summary
1. Introduction of Political Science
Political Science is the investigation of the state, government, and politics. It analyzes how power and
authority are allocated and utilized in societies. "Politics" was derived from the Greek term polis, which
refers to city-state.
2. Definitions:
Aristotle: "Political Science is the master science which deals with how to make a good
society."
David Easton: "Political Science is the study of the authoritative allocation of values."
Garner: "Political Science begins and ends with the state."
3. Nature of Political Science
1. Descriptive and Normative
Political Science is a factual as well as value-based science. It explains how political behavior,
institutions, and systems work (descriptive). It also implies how these systems should be in order to attain
justice, equality, and good government (normative).
2. Social Science
As a sub discipline of social sciences, Political Science examines human conduct in political
environments—like voting, roles of leaders, or popular opinion. It is concerned with the way people and
groups engage with power, authority, and legislation within a community.
3. Dynamic and Evolving
Political Science is not a fixed subject; it changes with time. As societies encounter new challenges such
as globalization, technology, or climate change, political theory and practice also shift to respond to new
emerging political problems.
4. Interdisciplinary
Political Science has close relationships with other disciplines like sociology (society), economics
(resources), psychology (behavior), history (past events), and law (legal systems). Political scientists learn
about political events in a more profound manner and from various angles through these disciplines.
, 4. Scope of Political Science
1. Political Theory
Political theory involves concepts and principles such as justice, liberty, equality, rights, and democracy.
Political theory engages in philosophical issues regarding the best state and moral governance. Thinkers
such as Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, and Rousseau are at the center of this subfield.
2. Comparative Politics
This discipline compares political institutions of various nations. It assists in comprehending how various
governments function, their institutions, policies, and political culture. Through comparison, experts
determine the strengths and weaknesses of every system.
3. International Relations
International Relations (IR) examines state-to-state interactions, such as diplomacy, war, peace, foreign
policy, and global institutions like the UN. It also examines global problems such as terrorism, global
warming, and human rights.
4. Public Administration
Public Administration deals with the organization and operation of government departments and agencies.
It analyzes how public policies are administered and how bureaucracy works in providing services to the
people with efficiency.
5. Political Philosophy
This field deals with the thoughts and ideas of great political thinkers regarding the nature of the state,
justice, governance, and freedom. It links moral values to political systems and inquires what makes a
society just or equitable.
6. Political Economy
Political economy is the study of politics and economics. It discusses how economic systems are
influenced by political decisions and vice versa, covering topics such as capitalism, socialism, and mixed
economies.
7. Constitutional Law
This field in Political Science looks at the structure, functions, and authority of various institutions as
outlined in the constitution. It covers the study of duties, rights, and the legal framework under which a
government operates.
8. Political Sociology
Political Sociology examines society-politics interaction. It explores how class, religion, ethnicity, and
culture shape political behavior and how, reciprocally, political systems form society.
9. Political Psychology
Political Psychology examines how psychological processes at the individual level influence political
behavior—e.g., voting decisions, political views, leadership. It explains mass movements, propaganda,
and public opinion.
10. Development Studies
This field is concerned with the political and economic growth of nations, particularly in the Global
