Introduction to Political Science

Political science is the systematic study of politics, government systems, and political behavior.

Comparative Politics
- Examines different political systems and their effects.
- Analyzes political institutions, processes, and behavior across countries.
International Relations
- Focuses on interactions between nations.
- Studies foreign policy, conflict, diplomacy, and international organizations.
Political Theory
- Explores ideas about politics, justice, rights, and the role of individuals in the state.
- Involves classical and contemporary political philosophies.
Public Administration
- Concerned with the implementation of government policy.
- Examines the organizational structure and processes within governmental agencies.
Public Policy
- Analyzes the creation and impact of policies enacted by governments.
- Includes policy evaluation, formulation, and implementation.

Power: Ability to influence or control the behavior of people and institutions.
Authority: Legitimate power recognized and accepted by society.
Legitimacy: Acceptance of a governing regime or authority by the governed.
State: A political entity with a defined territory, permanent population, government, and ability to enter relations with other states.
Nation: A group of people with a common identity, often based on culture, language, or ethnicity.

Democracy: System of government by the whole population, typically through elected representatives.
Authoritarianism: Concentration of power in a leader or an elite not accountable to the public.
Totalitarianism: An extreme form of authoritarianism where the state seeks to control all aspects of public and private life.
Monarchy: A form of government with a monarch at the head; can be absolute or constitutional.

Qualitative Methods: In-depth analysis of political phenomena, often through case studies and interviews.
Quantitative Methods: Statistical analysis and empirical data to study political behavior and trends.

Legislature: Law-making body; can be unicameral or bicameral.
Executive: Enforces laws; includes the president or prime minister and cabinet.
Judiciary: Interprets laws and administers justice.

Political science involves systematic analysis of politics, government frameworks, and political activities.

Comparative Politics: Studies and compares political systems to understand their effects and behavior across different nations.
International Relations: Investigates interactions among countries, including foreign policy, conflict, and the roles of international organizations.
Political Theory: Examines concepts of politics, justice, rights, and individual roles in governance through historical and modern philosophies.
Public Administration: Focuses on how government policies are executed and the organizational dynamics of governmental bodies.
Public Policy: Analyzes how policies are created, implemented, and their impacts on society.

Power: The capability to influence actions of individuals or institutions.
Authority: Legitimate and socially accepted power.
Legitimacy: The extent to which a governing body is accepted by its constituents.
State: A defined territory with a stable population, recognized government, and capacity to engage with other states.
Nation: A collection of people united by shared identity, culture, or ethnicity.

Democracy: Governance by representatives chosen by the electorate, emphasizing broad participation.
Authoritarianism: Power centralized in a leader or elite, lacking public accountability.
Totalitarianism: A severe form of authoritarianism that aims to regulate all facets of public and private life.
Monarchy: Government led by a monarch, which can either wield absolute power or operate within constitutional limits.

Qualitative Methods: Employ in-depth approaches such as case studies and interviews for rich, descriptive insights into political phenomena.
Quantitative Methods: Rely on statistical methods and empirical analysis to identify patterns in political behavior and trends.

Plato: Proposed the rule of philosopher-kings and emphasized concepts of justice.
Aristotle: Pioneered empirical studies of political systems, categorizing various government forms.
Hobbes: Formulated social contract theory, advocating for a strong central authority to ensure order.
Locke: Stressed the importance of natural rights and government founded on consent of the governed.
Marx: Explored class conflict and economic influences in political contexts.

Legislature: Responsible for creating laws; may consist of one or two chambers.
Executive: Implements laws and policies, led by figures like presidents or prime ministers.
Judiciary: Responsible for interpreting laws and ensuring justice is served.

Globalization is challenging traditional notions of state sovereignty.
Rising populism poses threats to democratic institutions and norms.
Climate change prompts urgent discussions about environmental policies and governance.
Human rights discourse necessitates consideration of international humanitarian interventions.