Introduction to Political Science

Scope of Political Science

• Political science is the systematic study of politics, government, and power.
• It examines the structures and processes of political systems, including institutions, policies, and behaviours.
• It explores the theories and concepts that underpin political life, such as democracy, justice, and sovereignty.
• The field includes a variety of subfields, such as comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and public administration.

Key Concepts in Political Science

• Power: The ability to influence or control others, often through coercion, persuasion, or authority.
• Authority: The legitimate right to exercise power.
• Legitimacy: The acceptance of power and authority by those subject to it.
• Sovereignty: The supreme power or authority in a political system, often residing in the state.
• Democracy: A form of government in which power is held by the people either directly or through elected representatives. Characterized by free and fair elections, rule of law, and protection of fundamental rights.
• Autocracy: A system of government in which supreme power is concentrated in the hands of one person or a small group of people.
• Totalitarianism: A political system in which the state holds total control over all aspects of public and private life.
• Liberalism: A political ideology emphasizing individual rights, freedom, and limited government.
• Conservatism: A political ideology prioritizing traditional values, institutions, and social order.
• Socialism: A political and economic ideology emphasizing social ownership and control of the means of production, aiming for a more egalitarian society.
• Communism: A socioeconomic order structured upon the common ownership of the means of production, often associated with revolutionary overthrow of capitalism.

Branches of Political Science

• Comparative Politics: Studies political systems across countries, comparing their structures, processes, and outcomes. Examines political institutions, political culture, and party systems.
• International Relations: Studies interactions between states and other actors in the international system. Topics include war and peace, diplomacy, international cooperation, and global governance.
• Political Theory: Deals with fundamental questions about justice, democracy, and the nature of the political. Explores philosophical justifications for political systems and theories of political obligation.
• Public Administration: Examines the implementation and management of public policies. Focuses on the organization, personnel, and process of government agencies and bureaucracies.

Methodology in Political Science

• Political scientists employ various research methods, including qualitative and quantitative approaches.
• Qualitative methods involve in-depth case studies, interviews, and textual analysis, focusing on understanding context and meaning.
• Quantitative methods employ statistical analysis and surveys to identify patterns and trends.
• Historical analysis investigates how historical events and processes shaped current political realities.
• Behavioral approach explores the psychology and behaviour of political actors to better understand political phenomena.
• Rational choice theory examines political behaviour through a model based on individuals' rational self-interest.
• Game theory: A mathematical framework used to analyse strategic interactions between individuals or groups.
• Empirical research: Testing theories using data gathering, experimentation, and observation to address specific research questions.
• Normative theory: Develops ideas, principles, and values. It is often used to justify or critique existing or proposed laws.

Political Systems

• Political systems vary across countries and evolve over time.
• These systems involve interactions between various levels of government, including national, state, and local.
• The structure and operation of these institutions affect how citizens participate in political decision-making.
• The roles played by different political actors, such as political parties, interest groups, and media, influence political processes.