Overview of Political Science

Definition: The study of political institutions, processes, behavior, and power dynamics.
Subfields:
1. Comparative Politics: Analyzes different political systems and institutions across countries.
2. International Relations: Examines interactions between countries, including diplomacy, conflict, and trade.
3. Political Theory: Explores ideas and principles behind governance, justice, and rights.
4. Public Administration: Focuses on the implementation of government policy and public sector management.
5. Public Policy: Studies the formulation, analysis, and evaluation of policies.

State: A political entity with a defined territory, permanent population, government, and recognition by other states.
Sovereignty: The authority of a state to govern itself and make decisions independently.
Power: The ability to influence or control behavior, resources, and outcomes in political contexts.
Authority: Legitimate power recognized by society, often derived from law or moral consent.

Realism: Emphasizes the competitive and conflictual nature of international relations; states act primarily in self-interest.
Liberalism: Advocates for cooperation among states, focusing on institutions and interdependence.
Constructivism: Argues that international relations are socially constructed through ideational factors, such as identity and norms.

Democracy: System where power lies with the people, often through elected representatives.
- Types: Direct democracy, representative democracy, and participatory democracy.
Authoritarianism: Concentration of power in a leader or an elite, limiting political freedoms and dissent.
Totalitarianism: A more extreme form of authoritarianism, where the state seeks to control all aspects of life.
Monarchy: A political system where a single ruler (monarch) holds power, which may be absolute or constitutional.

Voter Behavior: Factors influencing electoral choices include demographics, socioeconomic status, political socialization, and media.
Political Ideologies: Frameworks of beliefs influencing political preferences, including liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and nationalism.
Interest Groups: Organized groups that seek to influence public policy and decision-making.

Legislature: The governing body responsible for making laws (e.g., Congress, Parliament).
Executive: The branch of government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws (e.g., President, Prime Minister).
Judiciary: The system of courts that interprets and applies the law.

Globalization: The increasing interconnection of nations economically and politically.
Populism: A political approach that seeks to represent the interests of ordinary people, often against a perceived elite.
Digital Politics: The impact of social media and technology on political communication and mobilization.

Qualitative Methods: Includes interviews, case studies, and content analysis to gain in-depth insights.
Quantitative Methods: Employs statistical analysis and surveys to identify patterns and relationships in political behavior.
Comparative Method: Compares political systems and events to identify similarities and differences.

Comparative Politics: Analyzes political systems across different countries
International Relations: Focuses on relationships between countries, including diplomacy, conflict, and trade
Political Theory: Examines ideas and principles behind governance, justice, and rights
Public Administration: Focuses on government policy implementation and public sector management
Public Policy: Studies the creation, analysis, and evaluation of policies

State: A political entity with a defined territory, permanent population, government, and international recognition
Sovereignty: A state's authority to govern itself independently
Power: The ability to influence or control behavior, resources, and outcomes in political contexts
Authority: Legitimate power recognized by society, often based on law or moral consent

Realism: Emphasizes competition and conflict in international relations, with states acting primarily in their self-interest
Liberalism: Advocates for cooperation between states, focusing on institutions and interdependence
Constructivism: International relations are shaped by socially constructed factors like identity and norms

Democracy: Power resides with the people, often through elected representatives
- Types: Direct democracy, representative democracy, and participatory democracy
Authoritarianism: Power concentrated in a leader or elite, limiting political freedoms and dissent
Totalitarianism: A more extreme form of authoritarianism, where the state seeks to control all aspects of life
Monarchy: A political system ruled by a single monarch, which may be absolute or constitutional

Voter Behavior: Factors influencing electoral choices include demographics, socioeconomic status, political socialization, and media
Political Ideologies: Frameworks of beliefs influencing political preferences, such as liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and nationalism
Interest Groups: Organized groups that aim to influence public policy and decision-making

Legislature: The governing body responsible for making laws
Executive: The branch of government responsible for implementing and enforcing laws
Judiciary: The system of courts responsible for interpreting and applying the law

Globalization: Increasing interconnection of nations economically and politically
Populism: A political approach claiming to represent ordinary people, often against a perceived elite
Digital Politics: The impact of social media and technology on political communication and mobilization

Qualitative Methods: Utilizes interviews, case studies, and content analysis to obtain in-depth insights
Quantitative Methods: Employs statistical analysis and surveys to identify patterns and relationships in political behavior
Comparative Method: Compares political systems and events to identify similarities and differences