Linton Tayaban September 7, 2023
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1. State a definition of political science. Explain your understanding.
Political Science is a systematic and scientific study of politics, including institutions,
behaviors, and processes. (https://us.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upm-
assets/109643_book_item_109643.pdf)
Political science is a social science discipline that focuses on the study of politics,
government systems, and political behavior. It seeks to understand and analyze various
aspects of political processes, institutions, ideologies, power dynamics, and public policy.
Political science examines how individuals and groups make decisions, exercise
power, and engage in political activities within different contexts, such as nations, states,
and international organizations. It explores topics such as political theory, comparative
politics, international relations, public administration, public policy, and political
economy.
The study of political science is valuable for understanding how power is exercised,
how governments function, and how policies are formulated and implemented. It
provides insights into the complexities of political processes, political institutions, and
the interactions between individuals, groups, and governments. Political science
research and analysis are often used to inform policy decisions, contribute to public
discourse, and promote a deeper understanding of political phenomena.
2. Why is political science important?
Political science is important for several reasons:
1. Understanding Political Processes: Political science helps us understand the
intricacies of political processes, including how governments are formed, how policies are
made, and how power is exercised. By studying political science, we can gain insight into
the functioning of political institutions, electoral systems, and decision-making
processes.
2. Promoting Democratic Governance: Political science contributes to the promotion
of democratic governance by examining the principles and practices of democracy. It
explores topics such as citizen participation, human rights, rule of law, and the
accountability of political leaders. By understanding these concepts, we can better
engage in democratic processes, hold governments accountable, and actively participate
in shaping public policies.
3. Shaping Public Policies: Political science research helps inform the development
and implementation of public policies. Political scientists study policy issues, evaluate
their impact, and offer recommendations to address societal challenges. Their insights
are valuable for policymakers, as they provide evidence-based analysis and alternative
policy options to consider.
4. Analyzing Power Dynamics: Political science sheds light on power dynamics within
societies and among nations. It examines how power is acquired, exercised, and
challenged. This understanding helps identify and analyze patterns of inequality, social
justice issues, and dynamics that shape political systems. By studying power dynamics,
we can work towards creating more inclusive and equitable societies.
5. Exploring International Relations: Political science plays a crucial role in
analyzing and understanding international relations. It examines interactions between
nations, global governance structures, diplomacy, conflict resolution, and the role of
international organizations. This knowledge is essential for addressing global
challenges, such as climate change, human rights violations, terrorism, and economic
inequality.
6. Informing Public Discourse: Political science contributes to public discourse by
providing objective analysis and insights into political phenomena. Political scientists
can help explain complex political issues, debunk misinformation, and foster informed
public debates. Their expertise is valuable in shaping public opinion and facilitating a
well-informed citizenry.
7. Career Opportunities: Political science offers various career opportunities.
Graduates can pursue careers in government, public administration, international
organizations, academia, think tanks, non-governmental organizations, and the private
sector. The knowledge and skills gained through studying political science can be applied
to diverse fields, including policy analysis, research, advocacy, diplomacy, and public
service.
Overall, political science is important because it helps us understand, analyze, and
navigate the complexities of politics, governance, and societal issues. It equips us with
the knowledge and tools to engage in democratic processes, shape public policies, and
contribute to the betterment of society.
3. What are the fields of political science? Give a brief description of each.
Political science encompasses several sub-fields or areas of study. Some of the main fields
within political science include:
1. Political Theory: Political theory focuses on the study of political ideas, concepts,
and ideologies. It explores the works of influential thinkers throughout history and
examines questions related to justice, power, freedom, democracy, and the role of
government.
2. Comparative Politics: Comparative politics involves the study and comparison of
different political systems, institutions, and processes across countries. It examines
similarities and differences in political structures, party systems, electoral systems,
government types, and policy outcomes.
3. International Relations: International relations focuses on the study of interactions
between nations and the dynamics of global politics. It explores topics such as diplomacy,
international organizations, conflict and cooperation, globalization, foreign policy, and
the role of power in international relations.
4. Public Administration and Public Policy: This field examines the theory and
practice of public administration and policy-making. It involves studying how
governments and public organizations formulate and implement policies, manage public
resources, and deliver public services.
5. Political Economy: Political economy analyzes the interactions between politics and
economics. It investigates the influence of political factors on economic systems, policies,
and outcomes, as well as the impact of economic factors on political processes.
6. Political Behavior and Public Opinion: This field focuses on the study of
individual and collective political behavior, including voting patterns, public opinion
formation, political participation, and the influence of media and social factors on
political attitudes and behavior.
7. Political Methodology: Political methodology involves the development and
application of quantitative and qualitative research methods for studying political
phenomena. It includes statistical analysis, survey research, experimental design, and
other research techniques used in political science research.
8. Political Institutions: This field examines the structures and functions of political
institutions, such as legislatures, executives, courts, and bureaucracies. It investigates
how these institutions shape political processes and policy outcomes.
9. Policy Analysis: Policy analysis involves the study of public policies, their
formulation, implementation, and evaluation. It focuses on understanding policy
problems, analyzing policy options, and assessing the impact and effectiveness of policies.
10. Political Sociology: Political sociology explores the relationship between politics
and society. It examines the social and cultural factors that influence and are influenced
by political processes, including social movements, political culture, identity politics, and
the role of social institutions in shaping political behavior.
These fields often overlap and intersect with one another, and political scientists may
specialize in one or more of these areas based on their research interests and expertise.
4. Explain the relationship of political science with the other studies, Anthropology,
Economics, Geography, History, Psychology, and Sociology.
The social sciences are all about how society works. Social scientists examine
institutions like the government, the economy, and family; they also study how
individuals and groups interact with one another and what drives human behavior.
Political science as a social science has interdisciplinary connections with various
fields of study, including anthropology, economics, geography, history, psychology, and
sociology. While each discipline has its distinct focus and methods, there are overlapping
areas of inquiry and shared interests that contribute to a deeper understanding of
political phenomena. Here's a brief explanation of the relationship between political
science and these related fields:
1. Anthropology: Anthropology and political science share an interest in understanding
human behavior and social structures. Anthropology provides insights into the cultural,
social, and historical contexts within which political processes occur. It examines how
cultural beliefs, norms, and practices shape political systems, power dynamics, and
governance.
2. Economics: Political science and economics often intersect in the study of political
economy. Political scientists analyze the impact of political factors on economic policies,
systems, and outcomes, while economists explore how economic forces influence political
behavior and decision-making. The two fields collaborate in areas such as public policy
analysis, development economics, and the study of economic inequality.
3. Geography: Geography and political science overlap in the study of political
geography, which examines the spatial dimensions of political processes. Political
geographers analyze how physical and human geography shape political boundaries,
territorial disputes, resource distribution, and the spatial organization of political power.
4. History: History and political science have a close relationship, as political scientists
often draw upon historical research to understand political phenomena. History provides
valuable insights into the development of political institutions, ideologies, and the
evolution of political systems over time. Political scientists analyze historical events and
processes to inform their understanding of contemporary politics.
5. Psychology: Political science and psychology intersect in the study of political
behavior and decision-making. Political psychologists explore the psychological factors
that influence individual and group political attitudes, beliefs, and voting behavior. They
examine topics such as political socialization, political identity, political cognition, and
the role of emotions in political decision-making.
6. Sociology: Political science and sociology share a common interest in studying social
structures, power relations, and collective behavior. Political sociology examines how
social factors, such as social class, race, gender, and social movements, shape political
processes and outcomes. Sociological theories and methods are used to analyze political
phenomena, including social movements, political mobilization, and the impact of social
inequality on political power.
While these disciplines have distinct methodologies and perspectives, their
interdisciplinary engagement enhances the understanding of political phenomena by
providing multiple lenses through which to analyze and interpret complex social and
political issues. Collaboration and dialogue between these fields contribute to a more
comprehensive and holistic understanding of the intricacies of politics and society.
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