Introduction to Political Science

Study Notes

The study of politics and power from domestic, international, and comparative perspectives.
Includes understanding political ideas, ideologies, institutions, policies, processes, and behavior
Also encompasses groups, classes, government, diplomacy, law, strategy, and war.
A background in political science is valuable for citizenship and political action, as well as for future careers in government, law, business, media, or public service.

Broader than just government and politics
Includes societal, cultural, and psychological factors that influence the operation of government
Encompasses the body politic

Focused on the theory and practice of government and politics at the local, state, national, and international levels

Aristotle (384-322 BCE) is known as the father of political science.
He was a Greek philosopher who wrote on a wide range of subjects, including natural science, poetry, ethics and geology.
He is called the father of political science because of his work "Politics".
Aristotle believed that political science was a powerful and dynamic branch of science.

Elaborated on the topics and thinking of the Ideal State, slavery, revolution, education, citizenship, forms of government, the theory of golden mean, theory of constitution, etc.
Empirical Observation: Emphasized empirical observation and systematic study of political systems from various city or states to understand their functions and effects.
Practical Focus: Concerned with the practical realities of political life like how the government operates and the role of citizens.
Virtue and the Common Good: Believed the goal of politics was to create a society where citizens could live virtuous lives.
Classification of Government: Classified political structures into six: good forms (monarchy, aristocracy, polity) and corrupt forms (tyranny, oligarchy, democracy).
Ethics and Politics: Integrated ethics with politics, arguing the purpose of the state is to promote the good life for its citizens.
Influenced on Later Thought: His ideas had profound and lasting influence on western political thought and are still considered foundational in political science today.
Father of Modern Politics: Niccolo Machiavelli

Niccolo Machiavelli (May 3, 1469 – June 21, 1527) was an Italian Renaissance historian, politician, diplomat, philosopher, Humanist, and writer.
He has often been called the founder and the father of modern political science.
Influenced both Catholic and Protestant kings with his book "The Prince" which contains maxims concerning politics.

Realpolitik
The Ends Justify the Means
Flexibility and Adaptability
Control of Public Perception
Fear vs Love
Machiavelli states that the state is superior to all associations in human society.
He argues that the more difficult it is to acquire control over a state, the easier it is to hold on to it.