Introduction to Political Science

Study of politics, government systems, and political behavior.
Examines the theory and practice of politics at local, national, and international levels.

Comparative Politics
- Comparative analysis of political systems and behavior across different countries.
International Relations
- Focuses on the relationships between countries, including foreign policy, conflict, and diplomacy.
Political Theory
- Analysis of political ideas and philosophies, including concepts of justice, rights, and governance.
Public Administration
- Management and implementation of government policy; studies bureaucratic structures and processes.
Public Policy
- Examination of policy-making processes and outcomes, including evaluation of public programs.

Power
- The ability to influence or control the behavior of people and institutions.
Authority
- Legitimate power recognized by society; derives from formal structures and social norms.
Legitimacy
- Acceptance and justification of authority; higher legitimacy often leads to greater stability.
Sovereignty
- The ultimate authority within a territory, free from external interference.

Democracy
- Government by the people, characterized by free and fair elections, civil liberties, and participation.
Autocracy
- Concentration of power in a single ruler or party; limited political pluralism.
Oligarchy
- Rule by a small group of individuals or families; often interlinked with wealth or power.

Studies how individuals engage in politics, including voting patterns, public opinion, and political participation.

Liberalism
- Emphasizes individual freedoms, democracy, and equality.
Conservatism
- Values tradition, social stability, and maintaining established institutions.
Socialism
- Advocates for social ownership and democratic control of the means of production.
Nationalism
- Prioritizes the interests of a particular nation, often leading to a strong sense of collective identity.

Qualitative Methods
- In-depth interviews, case studies, and ethnography to explore complex political dynamics.
Quantitative Methods
- Surveys, statistical analysis, and experiments to gather and analyze numerical data.

Political science encompasses the study of political systems, government structures, and political behavior.
It examines these concepts at local, national, and international levels.

Comparative Politics: Analyzes and contrasts political systems and behaviors across different countries.
International Relations: Focuses on relations between nations, including diplomacy, conflict, and foreign policy.
Political Theory: Examines political ideologies, philosophies, and concepts, such as justice, rights, and governance.
Public Administration: Studies the organization and implementation of government policies, including the complexities of bureaucratic structures and processes.
Public Policy: Explores the policy-making process, its outcomes, and evaluates the effectiveness of public programs.

Power: The capacity to influence or control the behavior of people and institutions.
Authority: Legitimate power, recognized and accepted by society. It stems from formal structures and social norms, such as laws or traditions.
Legitimacy: The acceptance and validation of authority, often derived from the public's belief in the fairness and appropriateness of the power structure. Legitimate power is more likely to lead to a stable political system.
Sovereignty: The ultimate authority within a territory, free from external interference. It refers to the absolute and independent power of a state within its own boundaries.

Democracy: A system where power resides with the people. It is characterized by free and fair elections, civil liberties, and active public participation in the political process.
Autocracy: Concentrates power in the hands of a single ruler or a small dominant party. Political pluralism is limited and dissent is usually suppressed.
Oligarchy: Rule by a small, exclusive group, often linked by wealth, social standing, or power. This group controls political decision-making and prioritizes its own interests over those of the wider population.

### Political Behavior

This area studies how individuals participate in the political process, including voting patterns, public opinion formation, and engagement in political movements.

### Political Ideologies

Liberalism: Emphasizes individual liberties, democratic values, and equality. It generally supports free markets, limited government intervention, and individual rights.
Conservatism: Values tradition, social stability, and maintaining established institutions. It tends to favor gradual change, preserving traditional social values, and a strong national defense.
Socialism: Advocates for social ownership or democratic control of the means of production. It often prioritizes social welfare, economic equality, and worker rights.
Nationalism: Prioritizes the interests of a particular nation. It often leads to a strong sense of national identity and collective belonging, sometimes even at the expense of international cooperation.

Qualitative Methods: Involve in-depth research, such as interviews, case studies, and ethnography, to understand complex political dynamics and gain nuanced insights.
Quantitative Methods: Rely on data collection and analysis. They use surveys, statistical analysis, and experiments to gather and interpret numerical data, providing a broader and more objective perspective on political phenomena.

Globalization: The increasing interconnectedness of nations and their economies, impacting national sovereignty and influencing domestic policy.
Rise of Populism: This refers to a rise in political movements that appeal to the common person and often challenge traditional political establishments.
Climate Change: The politicization of this global issue and its impact on international relations, policy decisions, and social movements.
Human Rights: The global debate surrounding the application and enforcement of human rights in international law, and the challenges of promoting and protecting human dignity across cultural and political contexts.