1.3 Political Science: The Systematic Study of Politics

Political science is the study of governments, public policies, and political behavior. It examines how power is distributed and used in societies, from local to global levels. The field employs scientific methods to analyze political phenomena and understand how political systems function.

Key concepts in political science include power, governance, and democracy. The discipline uses both normative approaches, focusing on ideals and values, and empirical approaches, which rely on observable data. These methods help explain political behavior and institutions.

The Fundamentals of Political Science

Definition and scope of political science

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• Systematic study of politics, government, and public policies at local, state, national, and international levels
• Examines structures, processes, and outcomes of governmental decision-making
  • Studies institutions involved in decision-making (legislatures, executives, judiciaries)
  • Analyzes processes of agenda-setting, policy formulation, and implementation
  • Evaluates impacts of governmental decisions on society
• Encompasses subfields of comparative politics, international relations, political theory, and public policy
• Aims to understand and explain political phenomena (elections, social movements, political behavior)
• Provides insights into how governments operate and political actors interact within the political system

Scientific method in political analysis

• Political scientists employ scientific method for systematic and objective research
  • Formulates hypotheses, collects and analyzes data, draws evidence-based conclusions
• Steps in applying scientific method to political science:
  1. Identify research question or problem related to political phenomena
  2. Develop hypotheses or tentative explanations for observed political behavior or outcomes
  3. Collect relevant data through surveys, experiments, or case studies
  4. Analyze collected data using statistical techniques or qualitative methods
  5. Interpret results and draw conclusions based on evidence
  6. Share findings with academic community and subject them to peer review
• Uses empirical evidence to test theories and hypotheses about political behavior and institutions
  • Empirical evidence includes observable and measurable data (election results, public opinion polls, legislative voting records)
• Helps minimize bias, ensure reproducibility, and build cumulative body of knowledge

Normative vs empirical approaches

• Normative approach focuses on values, ideals, and principles shaping political systems and behavior
  • Addresses what ought to be (just society, legitimate government)
  • Involves study of political philosophy, ethics, and moral reasoning
  • Examples: theories of justice, human rights, democratic ideals
• Empirical approach focuses on observable and measurable aspects of political phenomena
  • Addresses what is (how institutions function, how voters behave)
  • Involves systematic collection and analysis of data to test hypotheses and theories
  • Examples: studies of voting behavior, legislative decision-making, impact of public policies
• Differences between approaches:
  • Normative makes prescriptive statements and value judgments, empirical makes descriptive statements and factual claims
  • Normative relies on philosophical reasoning and logical argumentation, empirical relies on evidence and scientific methods
• Political scientists often combine approaches for comprehensive understanding
  • Normative theories guide research questions and interpretation of empirical findings
  • Empirical research informs and refines normative theories by providing evidence about real-world consequences of political ideas and practices

Key concepts in political science

• Power: The ability to influence or control the behavior of others or the course of events
• Governance: The process of decision-making and the implementation of policies within a political system
• Democracy: A system of government where power is vested in the people, typically through elected representatives
• Ideology: A set of beliefs and values that shape political thought and action
• Sovereignty: The supreme authority within a territory, often associated with the state
• Legitimacy: The acceptance of political authority as rightful by the governed
• Political economy: The study of how economic and political systems interact and influence each other