Political science: History, definition, meaning, nature, scope, importance
History of Political Science
1. Ancient Period (Greek & Roman)
o Political Science in western world traces its roots to Ancient Greece.
o Thinkers like Plato (427–347 BCE) and Aristotle (384–322 BCE) studied the state, justice, and
governance.
o Aristotle is called the “Father of Political Science” because of his systematic study of constitutions.
o Romans contributed with ideas of law, citizenship, and republicanism (Cicero, Polybius).
2. Ancient India: Indian tradition has a long history of political thought.
o Kautilya (Chanakya) wrote the Arthashastra (4th century BCE), a treatise on statecraft, diplomacy,
economy, and warfare.
o Manusmriti and Mahabharata (Shanti Parva) also discussed kingship, law, and duties of rulers.
3. Medieval Period
o Focus shifted to religion and divine authority of kings.
o Thinkers like St. Augustine and Thomas Aquinas combined politics with Christian theology.
4. Modern Period (16th–18th Century)
o With the Renaissance and Enlightenment, politics became more secular and scientific.
o Thinkers like Machiavelli (The Prince), Hobbes (Leviathan), Locke, Rousseau, and Montesquieu laid
foundations of modern political theory (social contract, rights, separation of powers).
5. Contemporary Period (19th–20th Century onwards)
o Development of democracy, socialism, liberalism, Marxism, feminism, and other ideologies.
o Political Science expanded to include comparative politics, international relations, public administration,
political behaviour, and policy studies.
o It became more empirical and scientific with methods like surveys, statistics, and data analysis.
Q. What is political Science? Discuss in detail its nature and scope.
Introduction: Political Science studies how power works in society, how governments are formed, how they
function, and how they interact with citizens and other countries. It helps us understand political behaviour, decision-
making, and ways to improve governance for the welfare of society.
Meaning of Political Science: The term ‘Political Science’ is derived from the Greek word polis meaning city-state,
and sciencia meaning knowledge.
o In ancient Greece, Aristotle called Political Science the “Master Science” because it dealt with the highest good
of humans through governance and organization of the state.
o Therefore, Political Science literally means “the science of the state and government.”
Definition
o General Definition: Political Science is the systematic study of the state, government, politics, and power. It
examines how governments are formed, how they function, how laws are made and implemented, and how
citizens participate in political life. It focuses on both theory (ideas like justice, liberty, and democracy) and
practice (institutions, elections, public administration).
o Classical Definition (Aristotle): “Political Science is the master science which deals with the art of
government.”
o Modern Definition: It is the study of state, power, authority, legitimacy, governance, public policies, and
institutions in both national and international contexts.
Nature of Political Science
Political Science is both a science and an art. It systematically studies political institutions, processes, behaviour, and
the use of power. It deals with facts (what is) as well as values (what ought to be). It is concerned not just with laws
and constitutions, but also with people’s participation, political change, and global relations. Its nature is dynamic
because politics changes with society, technology, and world events.
1. Social Science – It studies human behaviour in society, especially in political contexts.
2. Normative and Empirical – It deals with ideals and values (normative) as well as facts and data (empirical).
3. Both Science and Art – Scientific because it uses systematic methods; art because it needs judgment, skill, and
practical wisdom.
4. Interdisciplinary – Related to law, history, economics, sociology, philosophy, and international studies.
5. Descriptive and Analytical – Describes political structures and also analyses causes and effects of political
events.
6. Study of Power and Authority – Focuses on how power is acquired, used, and controlled in society.
7. Dynamic Nature – Changes with social, economic, and technological developments.
8. Deals with Both State and Society – Concerned with the functioning of the state and its relationship with
society.
9. Predictive Aspect – Uses knowledge to forecast political trends and possible outcomes.
10. Value-Oriented – Concerned with justice, equality, liberty, and welfare of people.
Scope of Political Science
1. Study of the State and Government – Examines the origin, nature, functions, and purposes of the state and
different forms of government.
2. Political Theory – Studies ideas like justice, liberty, equality, democracy, and sovereignty.
3. Public Administration – Analyses how policies are implemented and how government departments work.
4. Law and Constitution – Studies constitutional principles, legal systems, and the relationship between law and
politics.
5. Comparative Politics – Compares political systems of different countries to understand their similarities and
differences.
6. International Relations – Studies relations among states, diplomacy, foreign policy, and organizations like the
UN.
7. Political Behaviour – Analyses voting patterns, political participation, and role of political parties and interest
groups.
8. Public Policy and Governance – Examines decision-making processes and policies for public welfare.
9. Political Economy – Studies the link between politics and economic systems like capitalism, socialism, and
mixed economies.
10. Peace and Conflict Studies – Focuses on causes of war, conflict resolution, and promotion of peace.
In conclusion, its scope covers the study of the state, government, laws, rights, duties, political processes, political
theories, public policies, and international relations. It helps us understand political behaviour, decision-making, and
ways to improve governance for the welfare of society.
Q. Discuss the importance of Political Science.
Political Science is a vital social science that equips individuals with the knowledge of power, governance, rights,
and statecraft. It has grown from being purely philosophical to incorporating empirical and interdisciplinary methods.
In a democratic society like India, understanding political science is essential for developing responsible and
participatory citizens.
o Helps citizens understand their rights and duties.
o Builds awareness about the working of the government.
o Encourages active and informed political participation.
o Provides training for careers in law, civil services, journalism, diplomacy, etc.