Lesson 1 – Politics and Political Science

Study Notes

Politics determines the distribution of power and resources in society.
Political Science is a social science branch focused on studying political phenomena.
Political Scientists analyze connections between political events and conditions.

Political Theory: Studies the contributions of thinkers like Chanakya, Aristotle, and Plato.
Comparative Politics: Analyzes and compares constitutions and political factors across nations.
Public Administration: Examines how government policies are implemented and the role of public service.
International Relations: Explores political-economic interactions among nation-states and organizations.
Public Law: Investigates the relationship between government and citizens.
Political Methodology: Utilizes quantitative methods to study political phenomena.

State: An organized political community under government authority.
Population: The people comprising the state.
Territory: The defined physical area occupied by the state’s population.
Government: Administers and controls the state.
Sovereignty: A state's ability to govern itself independently.
Legitimacy: The recognized right of a government to exercise authority.
Governance: Encompasses all actions related to governing a state’s territory and population.
Ideology: A collection of beliefs and ideas guiding individual and group behavior.
Political Ideology: The principles and theories guiding government actions.

Monarchy: Government ruled by a single individual.
- Constitutional Monarchy: Monarch's powers are limited by a constitution.
- Absolute Monarchy: The monarch wields absolute power without limitations.
Oligarchy/Aristocracy: Governance by a small, elite group.
Democracy: Government driven by the rule of the people.
- Direct Democracy: Citizens directly participate in government decisions.
- Representative Democracy: Elected representatives act in the interest of the citizens.
- Presidential System: The president is the highest official and head of the executive.
Congressional System:
- Unicameral: One legislative house.
- Bicameral: Two legislative houses (e.g., House of Representatives and Senate).
Parliamentary System: Close relationship between the legislative and executive branches, led by a prime minister.
Presidential-Parliamentary System: Combines elements of both systems; president elected by citizens appoints a prime minister.

Power is key to understanding politics and governance; it involves authority over people and influences their lives.
Power is the capacity to carry out one's will and exert control over others.
Closely related to authority, which is the legitimate right to exercise power.

Coercive Power: Compelling others through threats and punishment.
Reward Power: The ability to offer rewards and benefits.
Expert Power: Derives from an individual's skills and knowledge.
Legitimate Power: Based on an individual’s established role and duties.
Referent Power: Emerges from a person's charm and ability to attract followers.