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What is Political Science?
Ever wondered what Political Science is really about? You’ve probably heard the word “politics” a lot — in the news, online, or during elections. But Political Science is much more than that. It’s the study of how societies are organized and how decisions are made.
In this post, we’ll break it down in simple terms — no confusing jargon, just the basics you need to know.
So, What is Political Science?
Political Science is the study of politics, government, and power. It helps us understand:
Who makes decisions in a society
How power is used
Why governments exist
How leaders are chosen
What rights and responsibilities citizens have
Think of it as learning how the "rules of society" are made and why they matter.
Different Views of Politics
There are a few popular ways experts define politics:
Harold Lasswell said politics is about “who gets what, when, and how.”
David Easton described it as “the authoritative allocation of values for a society.”
In simple words, politics is about how important decisions are made and who benefits from them.
Why Study Political Science?
Here are a few reasons:
1. To understand how governments work
2. To learn about your rights and duties
3. To become an informed citizen
4. To explore careers in law, government, or public service
What Does Political Science Cover?
Political Science is a big field. Here are the main areas:
Political Theory: Talks about ideas like justice, freedom, and the best type of government.
Government & Institutions: How parliaments, presidents, and courts work.
International Politics: How countries deal with each other (like the UN or global conflicts).
Public Administration: How policies and services (like health or education) are managed.
Political Economy: How politics and money affect each other.
Is Political Science a Science?
Yes — and no!
It’s a social science because it studies human behavior. But unlike Physics or Chemistry, you can’t always predict what people or politicians will do. That’s what makes it both interesting and challenging!
Political Science helps you understand how the world works — and how you can play a part in it. Whether you want to be a lawyer, leader, journalist, or just a smart voter, it’s a great subject to know.