Core Concepts in Political Science

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Questions and Answers

Which area of political science focuses on the nature of justice, liberty, rights, and the ideal state?

  • International relations
  • Public administration
  • Political theory (correct)
  • Comparative politics

Public opinion refers only to the opinions held by politicians.

False (B)

What does political methodology deal with?

Research methods used in political science, such as statistical analysis and surveys.

The study of different political systems across countries is known as ______.

<p>comparative politics</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following branches of political science with their focus areas:

<p>Constitutional law = Legal framework governing states Public policy = Policy formulation and evaluation Political behavior = Individual and group political actions Political economy = Relationship between politics and economics</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which key theme in political science examines the relationship between power distribution and social inequalities?

<p>Power and inequality (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

International relations only involves the interactions of state actors.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the branch of public administration focus on?

<p>Implementation of public policy and organization of government agencies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which political ideology emphasizes individual rights and free markets?

<p>Liberalism (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Marxism focuses primarily on established institutions and social order.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What method in political science focuses on in-depth case studies and interviews?

<p>Qualitative methods</p> Signup and view all the answers

The theory that assumes individuals act in their self-interest is called __________.

<p>Rational choice theory</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a school of thought in political science?

<p>Socialism (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Match the following political concepts with their descriptions:

<p>Public opinion = The aggregate of attitudes about political issues Political socialization = The process of developing political beliefs and values Quantitative methods = Statistical analysis to identify patterns Realism = Focus on national interest and power in international relations</p> Signup and view all the answers

Constructivism highlights the role of power and national interest in international relations.

<p>False (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant focus of feminism in political science?

<p>Gender roles and inequalities</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Liberalism

A political philosophy stressing individual rights, democratic governance, and free markets, promoting peaceful conflict resolution through diplomacy and international cooperation.

Conservatism

A political philosophy emphasizing traditional values, maintaining social order, and valuing established institutions.

Marxism

A political and economic theory focusing on economic inequalities and class conflict as driving forces of political change.

Feminism

A theoretical perspective that critically analyzes gender roles and political and economic inequalities within society.

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Quantitative methods

A methodological approach utilizing statistical analysis to uncover patterns and relationships in large datasets.

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Qualitative methods

Methodologies focusing on in-depth case studies, interviews, and text analysis to understand complex phenomena.

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Rational choice theory

A theoretical framework suggesting individuals act rationally to maximize their advantages and minimize costs, used to analyze voting behavior and political participation.

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Public opinion

The collective opinions of citizens about political issues and figures, often shaped by various factors.

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Political Science

The study of power, its distribution, exercise, and effects within societies, encompassing topics like government, politics, public policy, and international relations.

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Political Theory

Examines the nature of justice, liberty, rights, and the ideal state. It explores philosophical questions about how society should be organized and governed.

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Comparative Politics

Compares different political systems across countries, analyzing their institutions, political processes, and outcomes. It helps us understand similarities and differences between nations.

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Public Administration

Focuses on the implementation of public policy and the organization of government agencies. It deals with how policies are put into action and how government works.

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International Relations

Examines relations between states, international organizations, and non-state actors. It analyzes how nations interact with each other and global issues.

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Political Methodology

Deals with research methods used in political science, such as statistical analysis, surveys, and case studies. It focuses on how we gather and analyze data in political science.

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Constitutional Law

Examines the legal framework that governs a state or nation, including the roles and powers of various branches of government and individual rights. It delves into the constitution and rules of a country.

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Public Policy

Analyzes the process by which policies are formulated, implemented, and evaluated, including the societal impacts. It looks at how policies are created, how they work, and what their effects are.

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Study Notes

Core Concepts in Political Science

  • Political science is the study of power, its distribution, exercise, and effects within societies. This includes government, politics, public policy, and international relations.
  • Key areas of focus include:
    • Political theory: examines justice, liberty, rights, and the ideal state.
    • Comparative politics: analyzes political systems across countries, noting similarities and differences in institutions, processes, and outcomes.
    • Public administration: focuses on implementing public policy and organizing government agencies.
    • International relations: examines relations between states, international organizations, and non-state actors.
    • Political methodology: deals with political science research methods, including statistical analysis, surveys, and case studies.

Branches of Political Science

  • Political science branches or subfields include:
    • Constitutional law: examines a state's legal framework, including branches of government and individual rights.
    • Public policy: analyzes policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation, considering societal impacts.
    • Political behavior: studies individual and group behavior in politics, encompassing voting, public opinion, and participation.
    • Public opinion: analyzes how societal factors influence views on issues, policies, and government.
    • Political economy: combines political science and economics, studying the political-economic relationship.

Key Themes in Political Science

  • Key themes in political science research are:
    • Democracy and authoritarianism: examines different government types and their stability/effectiveness.
    • Conflict and cooperation: analyzes both violent and non-violent conflicts and collaboration, nationally and internationally.
    • Power and inequality: considers power distribution and the resulting social and economic inequalities.
    • State capacity and legitimacy: assesses a state's ability to function and maintain public support, including bureaucratic effectiveness.
    • Political institutions: investigates political systems' structures and processes, from legislative bodies to judicial systems to executive branches.

Major Schools of Thought in Political Science

  • Liberalism: emphasizes individual rights, democracy, free markets, and peaceful conflict resolution through diplomacy and cooperation.
  • Conservatism: prioritizes traditional values, social order, and established institutions.
  • Marxism: emphasizes economic inequalities and class struggle as drivers of political conflict and change.
  • Feminism: critically examines gender roles and political/economic inequalities.

Methodology in Political Science

  • Political science research uses diverse methodologies:
    • Quantitative methods: utilize statistical analysis for identifying patterns in large datasets.
    • Qualitative methods: employ in-depth case studies, interviews, and text analysis to understand complex phenomena.

Core Concepts in Political Behaviour

  • Rational choice theory: assumes self-interested individuals maximize benefits and minimize costs, analyzing voting and political participation.
  • Public opinion: aggregates citizen attitudes about political issues and figures.
  • Political socialization: examines how individuals develop political beliefs and values.

International Relations Theory

  • International relations theory focuses on interactions between nation-states and other actors.
  • Realism: emphasizes national interest and power in conflict-prone international systems.
  • Liberalism: highlights cooperation, international institutions, and shared values for peace and prosperity.
  • Constructivism: emphasizes the role of ideas, norms, and identities in shaping international relations.6

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