Relationship of political science with other disciplines

Relationship of political science with other disciplines

Political Science does not exist in isolation. As emphasized by thinkers like Henry Sidgwick, a clear understanding of any discipline requires mapping its intellectual relationships with others. Political Science draws concepts, methods, and insights from sociology, economics, history, psychology, anthropology, law, ethics, statistics, geography, biology, and public administration—while simultaneously enriching them.In the United States, modern … Read more

Methodology of political science

Methodology of political science

The methodology of political science examines how political phenomena are systematically studied using scientific and philosophical tools. Emerging strongly in the nineteenth century, political science evolved from speculative reasoning to an organized body of knowledge grounded in observation, comparison, historical analysis, and quantitative methods. Thinkers such as Auguste Comte, John Stuart Mill, James Bryce, Karl … Read more

Terminology of political science

Terminology of political science

The terminology of political science has long been a subject of scholarly debate due to the absence of a universally accepted name for the discipline. Various scholars have referred to it as Politics, Political Theory, Political Philosophy, or Political Science, each emphasizing a distinct dimension of political inquiry. This diversity of terminology often creates confusion … Read more

Nature and Scope of Political Science

Nature and Scope of Political Science

Political Science emerges from the fundamental reality that human beings live in organized societies. From Aristotle’s assertion that man is a social and political animal to modern behavioral and empirical approaches, the discipline examines how people govern themselves within the State. The nature of political science explores the origins, purpose, and ethical foundations of political … Read more

State and Government

State and Government

In political science, the terms State and Government are often used interchangeably in everyday conversations, but they refer to distinct concepts. While the State represents a permanent political entity with sovereignty, defined territory, and citizens, the Government is the temporary machinery that administers the State’s policies and enforces laws. Understanding this distinction is crucial, especially … Read more

Definition of sovereignty in political science

definition of sovereignty in political science

In political science, sovereignty is the cornerstone of the modern State. It signifies the supreme, absolute, and legally uncontested authority within a defined territory. What distinguishes the State from all other associations is its compulsory power—the legal right to command obedience and, if necessary, enforce compliance through coercion. From classical thinkers like Bodin and Hobbes … Read more

Sovereignty in political science

sovereignty in political science

The modern State is a sovereign State. Sovereignty in political science is, therefore, independent in the face of other communities. It may infuse its will towards them with a substance that is not to be affected by any external power’s will. It is, moreover, internally supreme over the territory that it controls. Issues orders to … Read more

Nature of Sovereignty

The nature of sovereignty

The nature of sovereignty is the defining feature that distinguishes the state from all other human associations. Sovereignty represents the supreme will and final authority within a territory—the ultimate power to command, legislate, and enforce obedience. While individuals and organizations possess collective wills, only the state enjoys the authority to override all others in cases … Read more

Kinds Of Constitutions

Kinds Of Constitutions

The classification of constitutions is a foundational concept in political science and constitutional law. Constitutions may be categorized based on popular participation, their origin, form, legal authority, and adaptability. Traditionally, scholars have distinguished between written and unwritten constitutions, as well as evolved and enacted systems. However, modern constitutional theory critiques this approach and favors a … Read more

Nature of public opinion

Nature public opinion

Public opinion plays a decisive role in shaping democratic governance in the United States. Historically, governments were viewed as divinely ordained authorities beyond public scrutiny. With the rise of democracy, this perception shifted—government became an instrument of the people, accountable to their collective will. The growth of public education, expanded voting rights, and mass communication … Read more