Table of Contents
Political Science is the systematic study of government systems, political behaviour, and public policies. The subject examines the theory and practice of politics, as well as institutions of power such as the legislature and judiciary. Studying Political Science opens up diverse career opportunities in law, government, and policy. This blog is a comprehensive guide to Political Science, its history, fields, and career scope in India.
What is Political Science?
Political Science is a social science that is focused on the state, nation, government, and politics. The Political Science meaning extends to examining political institutions, ideologies, and public policies through empirical and theoretical lenses. The nature of Political Science involves studying decision-making processes, power distribution, and the impact of government actions on society. It uses tools such as statistical analysis, case studies, and comparative research to study these frameworks.
History of Political Science
The study of Political Science has its roots in ancient Greece, Rome, and China, since the 6th century BCE onwards. During this time, thinkers like Plato and Aristotle explored the idea of ideal governance in works such as The Republic and Politics. Medieval and Early Modern thinkers shifted their focus to practical politics. However, Political Science did not become a separate academic field until the 19th century. After World War II, behaviourism and the growing influence of economics and sociology led to the development of an interdisciplinary approach in modern Political Science. As a result, Political Science is offered as a standard subject in universities worldwide as a key part of higher education.
Features of Political Science
Key aspects of Political Science include the study of government structures, public policy, political theory and international relations. It is characterized by the following features:
- It involves investigating the origins, nature, and functions of government and the state.
- It involves empirical observation, data collection, and quantitative analysis.
- The study focuses on the allocation, transfer, and use of power and authority.
- It is an interdisciplinary field that draws upon the disciplines of Sociology, Law, Economics, and History.
- The study focuses on the actions of individuals, groups, and institutions in the political process.
Branches of Political Science
Political Science is divided into several branches to analyse government systems, political behaviour, and power dynamics. Below are the types of Political Science.
| Type |
Description |
| Political Theory |
Explores foundational concepts and questions on justice, power, liberty, and ideal governance. Works of philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle, and Hobbes are analysed. |
| Comparative Politics |
It analyses the political systems, institutions, and processes across countries. It aims to understand how different governments function and what factors lead to political stability, conflict, or change. |
| International Relations |
This branch of Political Science studies interactions between states, corporations and global institutions such as the UN. It also educates on theories like realism and liberalism. |
| Public Policy |
The branch focuses on the systematic study, formulation, implementation, and evaluation of government actions, laws, and regulations. |
Significance of Political Science
Political Science fosters informed citizenship by educating individuals on their rights, duties, and political systems. Additionally, it provides analytical tools to understand government structure and policies, which helps tackle global challenges. The importance of Political Science extends to analysing political ideologies and relations between countries, promoting global awareness. Policy analysis helps craft solutions for societal challenges across sectors such as healthcare, environment, security, education, and economics.
It also teaches analytical skills to evaluate political arguments and maintain democratic stability. Societal issues such as poverty, inequality, and human rights are addressed, leading to better policymaking. The subject of Political Science is an excellent career option offering roles in law, public policy, journalism, and civil services.
Scope of Political Science
The scope of Political Science is vast, focussing on the concepts of state, government, power, political behaviour, and public policy. It examines both theoretical foundations and practical aspects of political institutions and the power they hold. It also analyzes political thoughts, compares different political systems, studies foreign policies, and the global political economy. It also focuses on the implementation of laws and the ways through which governments address public issues.
Career in Political Science
A career in Political Science offers diverse paths for individuals, including government, law, policy analysis, journalism, and international relations. Top jobs in Political Science include Policy Analyst, Legislative Assistant, Public Relations Manager, Attorney, and roles in Civil Service.
Key career paths in Political Science include:
| Area |
Key Careers |
| Government & Civil Service |
Includes overseeing public administration, implementing policies, and handling diplomacy. Government exam careers include writing exams such as UPSC or foreign services. IAS/IFS Officer, Civil Servant, Diplomat are some of the top careers. |
| Law & Legal Services |
Pursue law school for public interest litigation or advocate internationally on rights issues. Key careers include Lawyer, Legal Assistant, and Human Rights Advocate. |
| Policy Analysis & Advocacy |
Key careers include Policy Analyst, Lobbyist, and NGO Advocate. These roles include researching at think tanks, NGOs and recommending reforms on climate, inequality, or justice. |
| Journalism & Media |
Key careers include Political Journalist, Editor, and Analyst. Responsibilities of these roles include reporting on elections and public policies for media outlets. |
| Public Relations & Consulting |
Roles include managing campaigns, shaping opinions, advising parties or corporations on strategy and crises. Key careers include Campaign Manager, PR Specialist, and Consultant. |
| Education & Research |
Involves teaching at universities, publishing governance studies, or directing research centres/journals. Popular roles include Professor, Researcher, and Academic Lead. |
How to Become a Political Analyst
To become a Political Analyst in India, students must:
- Pursue a BA in Political Science, International Relations, Public Policy, Economics, or Journalism.
- Focus on concepts of research methods, statistics, political theory, and current affairs to build analytical foundations.
- Gain practical experience through internships at NGOs, government offices, and involvement in campaigns. Build skills in analysing policies, data, political events, and case studies, as well as in strategising outcomes.
- Pursue advanced education by doing an MA or MSc in Political Science, Public Policy, or Data Analytics.
- Focusing on specialisations such as foreign policy, data analytics, or local government relations can additionally help build a career as a Political Analyst.
Conclusion
In summary, Political Science offers a systematic framework for analyzing governance, power dynamics, and political behaviour. It is an academic discipline that explains the state while cultivating rigorous analytical skills essential for career success. It offers a broad career scope in policy analysis, civil services, academia, and advocacy, underscoring its importance in addressing contemporary global challenges. Engaging with this field will empower scholars and practitioners to navigate complex political landscapes with clarity.
Choose the MA Political Science programme at JAIN (Deemed-to-be University) to gain formal education in concepts of empirical research, policy analysis and other theoretical foundations.
FAQs
Q1. What do you mean by Political Science?
A1. Political Science is the social scientific study of power, governance, political institutions, and political behavior.
Q2. What is the nature of Political Science?
A2. Political Science combines empirical analysis with normative inquiry, functioning as both a social science and a humanities field.
Q3. Who first used the term Political Science?
A3. French philosopher and jurist Jean Bodin (1530–1596) is widely credited with coining the term "Political Science” for the study of the state, government, and sovereignty.
Q4. Why study Political Science?
A4. Studying Political Science provides a foundational understanding of power structures, governance, and policy‑making. It enables individuals to become informed citizens and critical thinkers, preparing them for diverse careers in law, government, journalism, and advocacy.
Q5. Why is Political Science called Science?
A5. It employs scientific methods such as hypothesis testing, quantitative data, qualitative research, and comparative analysis to predict and explain political phenomena.
Q6. How to study Political Science?
A6. Some of the methods to study Political Science include structured reading of classics, analysing current events, mastering research tools, engaging in debates, doing internships, and taking courses in theory, methods, and subfields.
