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Questions and Answers
Which ancient philosophers discussed political theory?
What is the main focus of political science?
What does Comparative Politics analyze?
What is the focus of International Relations?
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When did the modern discipline of political science emerge?
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Which field is NOT a main branch of political science?
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Which branch of political science focuses on the development, implementation, and evaluation of public policies?
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What do political parties seek to influence?
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Who was a 19th-century philosopher and economist known for contributing to the development of modern liberalism and democratic theory?
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What do political ideologies guide?
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Who played a significant role in shaping international relations and the League of Nations as the 28th President of the United States?
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What is public opinion known to influence?
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Who made significant contributions to the study of public opinion and political communication as a contemporary political scientist?
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What does political power involve the ability to do?
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Which notable figure played a key role in shaping the American political system as one of the Founding Fathers of the United States?
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Study Notes
Social Science: A Comprehensive Guide to Political Science
Social science is a broad field that studies society and human behavior through various methods, including empirical and systematic research. Political science is a subfield of social science that focuses on the study of political behavior, institutions, and processes. This article provides a detailed guide to political science, covering its history, main branches, key concepts, and notable figures.
History of Political Science
The origins of political science can be traced back to ancient Greece, where philosophers such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle discussed political theory. The modern discipline, however, emerged in the late 19th century, with the establishment of academic departments of political science in universities worldwide.
Main Branches of Political Science
Political science is a vast field that covers numerous subfields. Some of the main branches of political science include:
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Comparative Politics: Analyzes political institutions, processes, and outcomes across various countries and regions, with a particular focus on similarities and differences between them.
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International Relations: Studies the relationships and interactions between states, international organizations, and non-state actors in the global arena.
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Public Administration: Examines the implementation and management of public policies and programs, as well as the role of bureaucracies in the political system.
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Political Theory: Analyzes the normative and philosophical foundations of political institutions and processes, with a focus on questions related to justice, democracy, and power.
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Public Policy: Investigates the development, implementation, and evaluation of public policies and their impact on society, with a particular focus on issues such as health, education, and the environment.
Key Concepts in Political Science
Some of the key concepts in political science include:
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Political Power: The ability to influence or control others, often through the use of coercion or persuasion.
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Political Institutions: The formal and informal structures that govern political processes, such as governments, legislatures, and courts.
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Political Ideologies: The sets of beliefs and values that guide political action and decision-making, such as liberalism, conservatism, and socialism.
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Public Opinion: The attitudes, beliefs, and values of the general public, which can influence political outcomes and policy decisions.
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Political Parties: Organized groups that seek to influence political decisions and outcomes, often through the electoral process.
Notable Figures in Political Science
Throughout its history, political science has been shaped by numerous influential thinkers and scholars. Some of the most notable figures include:
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Alexander Hamilton: One of the Founding Fathers of the United States, who played a key role in shaping the American political system.
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John Stuart Mill: A 19th-century philosopher and economist who contributed to the development of modern liberalism and democratic theory.
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Woodrow Wilson: A prominent political scientist and the 28th President of the United States, who played a significant role in shaping international relations and the League of Nations.
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Robert A. Dahl: A 20th-century political theorist who contributed to the development of the democratic theory and the concept of participatory democracy.
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Carol Weiss King: A contemporary political scientist who has made significant contributions to the study of public opinion and political communication.
Conclusion
Political science is a complex and multifaceted field that offers valuable insights into the workings of political systems and processes. By studying the history, main branches, key concepts, and notable figures in political science, we can gain a deeper understanding of the political world and the factors that shape our lives.
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Description
Test your knowledge of political science history, main branches, key concepts, and notable figures with this comprehensive quiz. Explore the origins of political science, its main branches such as comparative politics and international relations, key concepts like political power and public opinion, and influential figures including Alexander Hamilton and Woodrow Wilson.
