UNIT 1

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF POLITICAL

SCIENCE
The study of Political Science, or politics, is a vast and multifaceted discipline that examines the
theory and practice of governance, the analysis of political systems, and the behaviour of political
entities. It has deep historical roots, various meanings, and a broad scope that has evolved over time.
This detailed overview covers the introduction, origins, different meanings and definitions, scope
from ancient to modern views, and the significance of studying Political Science for law.

Introduction to Political Science

Definition of Political Science

Political Science is the systematic study of politics, including the structure, processes, and activities
related to governance. It examines how power is distributed and exercised within a society, how
decisions are made, and how these decisions affect the members of the community. Political Science
encompasses various subfields, including comparative politics, international relations, political theory,
public administration, and policy studies.

Nature of Political Science

 Interdisciplinary Nature: Political Science intersects with other disciplines such as
economics, sociology, history, and law. It is both a science and an art, combining empirical
research with normative analysis.
 Theoretical and Practical: It includes the study of political ideas and ideologies, as well as
the practical application of these ideas in governance and policy-making.
Origins and Evolution of Political Science

Historical Origins
 Ancient Greece: Political Science traces its origins to ancient Greece, particularly to the
works of philosophers like Plato and Aristotle. Plato’s "Republic" and Aristotle’s "Politics"
laid the foundation for Western political thought.
 Roman Contributions: The Romans contributed to the development of legal and institutional
structures that influenced later political theory, including the concepts of republicanism and
citizenship.

Development Through the Ages

 Medieval Period: During the medieval period, political thought was dominated by religious
considerations, particularly by the works of St. Augustine and St. Thomas Aquinas, who
integrated Christian theology with political theory.
 Renaissance and Enlightenment: The Renaissance revived interest in classical political
thought, while the Enlightenment period introduced ideas of democracy, sovereignty, and
individual rights, as seen in the works of thinkers like John Locke, Montesquieu, and
Rousseau.
 Modern Political Science: In the 19th and 20th centuries, Political Science emerged as a
distinct academic discipline, with the establishment of departments and journals dedicated to
its study. Key figures in modern political thought include Karl Marx, Max Weber, and John
Stuart Mill.

Different Meanings and Definitions of Politics

Varied Meanings of Politics

 Politics as Governance: In its most traditional sense, politics refers to the activities
associated with governance, including the formulation and implementation of policies.
 Politics as Power Dynamics: Politics can also be understood as the process through which
power is distributed and exercised within a society, influencing who gets what, when, and
how.
 Politics as Public Affairs: This view sees politics as concerned with the organization of
public life, focusing on the roles and responsibilities of citizens and the state.
 Politics as Conflict and Cooperation: Politics involves both conflicts, as different groups
vie for power and resources, and cooperation, as they work together to achieve common
goals.
Key Definitions
 David Easton: Politics is the "authoritative allocation of values for a society." This definition
emphasizes the role of political institutions in making decisions that reflect societal values.
 Harold Lasswell: Politics is about "who gets what, when, and how." This definition focuses
on the distribution of resources and power.
 Andrew Heywood: Politics is "the activity through which people make, preserve, and amend
the general rules under which they live." This definition highlights the role of political
processes in shaping societal rules and norms.

Scope of Politics: Ancient, Traditional, and Modern Views

Ancient/Greek View
 Focus on the Polis: In ancient Greece, politics was primarily concerned with the polis (city-
state), particularly the governance and organization of the community.
 Aristotle’s Classification: Aristotle classified political systems based on the number of rulers
(one, few, or many) and whether they ruled for the common good or for their own benefit. His
classification included monarchy, aristocracy, and polity (positive forms), and tyranny,
oligarchy, and democracy (negative forms).
 Ethical Dimension: Greek political thought emphasized the ethical dimension of politics,
with the belief that the purpose of politics was to create a good and just society.

Traditional View
 Institutional Focus: The traditional view of politics, prevalent until the 19th century, focused
on the formal institutions of government such as the state, constitution, and legal systems. It
was concerned with the structure and function of these institutions.
 Nation-State: The rise of the nation-state in Europe shaped this view, with a focus on
sovereignty, authority, and the legitimacy of rulers.
 Normative Approach: Traditional political science was often normative, prescribing how
governments should operate and what principles they should uphold.

Modern View
 Broader Scope: Modern Political Science expands beyond formal institutions to include a
wide range of political behaviour, public opinion, political parties, interest groups, and
international relations.
  Empirical Approach: There is a greater emphasis on empirical research and the use of
scientific methods to study political phenomena. This includes quantitative analysis, case
studies, and comparative research.
 Interdisciplinary and Global Perspective: Modern Political Science is interdisciplinary,
incorporating insights from economics, psychology, sociology, and other fields. It also adopts
a global perspective, examining political systems and issues across different cultures and
regions.

Significance of the Study of Political Science for Law

Understanding Legal Systems

 Foundations of Law: Political Science provides insights into the origins and development of
legal systems, helping to understand the principles and values that underpin laws and
constitutions.
 Law and Governance: Political Science examines the relationship between law and
governance, including how laws are made, interpreted, and enforced within different political
systems.

Role of Law in Society

 Law as a Tool of Social Control: Political Science explores how laws function as
instruments of social control, regulating behaviour and maintaining order in society.
 Protecting Rights and Liberties: The study of political ideologies and theories informs the
legal principles that protect individual rights and liberties, such as freedom of speech, equality
before the law, and due process.

Law and Political Power

 Distribution of Power: Political Science analyses the distribution of power within a society,
including how legal systems can both empower and constrain political actors.
 Judicial Review: The concept of judicial review, where courts can declare laws
unconstitutional, is rooted in political theory and is a key area of study in the intersection of
law and politics.

Policy-Making and Legal Reforms

 Influence on Legislation: Political Science provides the tools to analyze and influence the
legislative process, helping legal professionals understand how laws are created, debated, and
passed.
  Legal Reforms: By studying political movements and public policy, Political Science helps
to identify areas where legal reforms are needed and to advocate for changes in the law.

International Law and Relations

 Global Governance: Political Science studies international relations and global governance,
including the role of international law, treaties, and organizations in regulating the behavior of
states and protecting human rights.
 Diplomacy and Conflict Resolution: The discipline also explores the legal frameworks
governing diplomacy, conflict resolution, and the use of force in international relations.

Conclusion
The study of Political Science is essential for understanding the complex and dynamic nature of
governance, power, and law. It provides a foundation for analysing political systems, making
informed decisions in the legal field, and contributing to the development of just and effective legal
frameworks. By examining the historical roots, evolving meanings, and broad scope of politics,
Political Science offers invaluable insights into the workings of both domestic and international law,
making it a crucial field of study for anyone interested in the intersection of law and governance.
Meaning, Scope, and Nature of Political Science

Meaning of Political Science

Political Science is the academic discipline that studies the theory and practice of politics,
governance, and power. It examines the structures, processes, and behaviours that define political
systems and influence political outcomes. Political Science seeks to understand how power is
distributed and exercised within societies, how governments function, how political decisions are
made, and how these decisions affect citizens and the broader society.

Scope of Political Science

The scope of Political Science is vast, encompassing various subfields and approaches that analyse
different aspects of political life. The discipline can be broadly divided into several key areas:
1. Political Theory:
o Normative Political Theory: This subfield explores philosophical questions about
justice, rights, and the ideal organization of society. It includes the study of political
ideologies, such as liberalism, conservatism, socialism, and feminism.
o History of Political Thought: This area examines the development of political ideas
from ancient times to the modern era, focusing on key thinkers like Plato, Aristotle,
Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Marx, and others.
2. Comparative Politics:
o Political Systems: Comparative Politics studies and compares different political
systems, such as democracies, authoritarian regimes, and hybrid systems, to
understand their structures, functions, and outcomes.
o Political Institutions: This area examines the role of institutions like legislatures,
executives, judiciaries, and electoral systems in different countries, analyzing their
impact on governance and policy-making.
3. International Relations:
o Global Politics: This subfield focuses on the interactions between states,
international organizations, and non-state actors in the global arena. It includes the
study of diplomacy, war, trade, and international law.
o Theories of International Relations: Various theories, such as realism, liberalism,
constructivism, and Marxism, provide different perspectives on how international
relations are conducted and understood.
4. Public Administration and Policy:
o Bureaucracy and Governance: This area studies the role of bureaucracies and
public institutions in implementing policies and managing public affairs.
o Policy Analysis: Public Policy examines how policies are formulated, implemented,
and evaluated, with a focus on issues like healthcare, education, welfare, and
environmental protection.
 5. Political Behaviour:
o Voting and Elections: This area explores how citizens participate in politics,
including voting behaviour, electoral systems, and political campaigns.
o Public Opinion: The study of public opinion involves analysing how citizens’
attitudes and beliefs influence political decisions and outcomes.
6. Political Economy:
o Economic Policy: Political Economy examines the relationship between politics and
economics, focusing on how political decisions affect economic outcomes and vice
versa.
o Globalization: This area explores the impact of globalization on national politics and
the global distribution of power and wealth.

Nature of Political Science

Political Science is characterized by several key features that define its nature:
1. Scientific and Empirical:
o Political Science employs scientific methods to study political phenomena. This
includes the use of quantitative and qualitative research methods to gather and
analyse data, test hypotheses, and develop theories.
2. Normative and Descriptive:
o Political Science has both normative and descriptive dimensions. Normative Political
Science deals with what ought to be, focusing on ideals and values, while descriptive
Political Science describes and explains what is, focusing on empirical analysis of
political systems and behaviour.
3. Interdisciplinary:
o Political Science is inherently interdisciplinary, drawing on insights and methods
from other social sciences such as sociology, economics, history, and psychology.
This interdisciplinary approach enriches the study of politics by incorporating diverse
perspectives.
4. Dynamic and Evolving:
o The nature of Political Science is dynamic, as it constantly evolves in response to
changes in the political landscape, new theoretical developments, and advancements
in research methods. Political Science is adaptable, addressing contemporary issues
such as globalization, digital governance, and climate change.
Traditional and Contemporary Perspectives in Political
Science

Traditional Perspective
The traditional perspective in Political Science is primarily concerned with the formal structures and
institutions of government. It emphasizes the study of the state, law, constitutions, and political
philosophy.
1. Focus on the State:
o Traditional Political Science centres on the state as the primary unit of analysis,
exploring its origins, functions, and authority. It examines the legal and constitutional
framework that defines the state's powers and responsibilities.

2. Institutional Approach:
o The traditional approach focuses on the analysis of political institutions such as
legislatures, executives, judiciaries, and bureaucracies. It studies their structures,
functions, and interrelationships within the political system.
3. Normative Focus:
o Traditional Political Science often takes a normative approach, prescribing how
political institutions should function based on ideals of justice, order, and the
common good. It emphasizes the role of law and moral principles in guiding political
conduct.
4. Historical Context:
o Traditional Political Science places a strong emphasis on the historical development
of political ideas and institutions. It studies the evolution of political systems and the
impact of historical events on contemporary politics.
Contemporary Perspective
The contemporary perspective in Political Science expands the scope of the discipline to include a
broader range of political phenomena, including political behaviour, public opinion, and global
politics. It emphasizes empirical research and the application of scientific methods.
1. Behavioralism:
o Contemporary Political Science is strongly influenced by the behavioural approach,
which focuses on the behaviour of individuals and groups in the political process. It
emphasizes empirical research and the use of statistical methods to study voting
behaviour, political participation, and public opinion.
2. Systems Theory:
o The systems approach views the political system as an interconnected set of
institutions, actors, and processes that interact with each other and the environment. It
emphasizes the inputs (demands and supports) and outputs (policies and decisions) of
the political system.
3. Comparative and Global Perspective:
o Contemporary Political Science adopts a comparative and global perspective,
studying political systems across different countries and cultures. It examines the
impact of globalization, international relations, and transnational issues on domestic
politics.
4. Critical and Postmodern Approaches:
o Contemporary Political Science also includes critical and postmodern approaches that
challenge traditional assumptions and explore the role of power, identity, and
discourse in shaping political reality. These approaches question the objectivity and
neutrality of political analysis.
Behavioralism and post-Behavioralism
Behavioralism
Behavioralism is a major movement in Political Science that emerged in the mid-20th century,
advocating for a more scientific and empirical approach to the study of politics. It marked a shift from
the traditional focus on institutions and normative theory to the study of individual and group
behaviour in the political process.

1. Focus on Behaviour:
o Behavioralism emphasizes the study of observable behaviour rather than abstract
concepts or normative theories. It focuses on how individuals and groups act within
the political system, including voting, political participation, and public opinion.
2. Empirical Research:
o Behaviouralists advocate for the use of empirical research methods, such as surveys,
experiments, and statistical analysis, to study political phenomena. They emphasize
the collection and analysis of data to test hypotheses and develop theories.
3. Value-Free Analysis:
o Behavioralism promotes the idea of value-free analysis, arguing that Political Science
should be objective and scientific, avoiding normative judgments about what is right
or wrong.
4. Interdisciplinary Influence:
o Behavioralism draws on insights from psychology, sociology, and economics to
understand political behaviour. It emphasizes the role of individual and group
psychology, social structures, and economic incentives in shaping political outcomes.

Post-Behavioralism
Post-Behavioralism emerged as a reaction to the perceived limitations of Behavioralism. It
critiques the narrow focus on empirical research and calls for a more comprehensive approach that
includes normative analysis and addresses real-world political issues.
1. Critique of Behavioralism:
o Post-Behaviouralists argue that Behaviouralist’s emphasis on scientific objectivity
and empirical research neglects important normative and ethical questions. They
contend that Political Science should not only describe political behaviour but also
engage with issues of justice, democracy, and social change.
2. Relevance and Activism:
o Post-Behavioralism emphasizes the need for Political Science to be relevant to real-
world problems and to engage in political activism. It advocates for research that
addresses pressing social and political issues, such as inequality, human rights, and
environmental sustainability.
3. Integration of Normative and Empirical Analysis:
o Post-Behaviouralists seek to integrate normative and empirical analysis, recognizing
that values and ethical considerations are an essential part of political inquiry. They
argue that Political Science should not only explain how the world is but also explore
how it should be.
4. Pluralism and Diversity:
o Post-Behavioralism promotes methodological pluralism and diversity, encouraging
the use of various approaches and perspectives to study politics. It rejects the idea that
there is a single "correct" method for studying political phenomena.
Interdisciplinary Approach in Political Science

Nature of the Interdisciplinary Approach

The interdisciplinary approach in Political Science involves integrating methods, theories, and
insights from other academic disciplines to enrich the understanding of political phenomena. This
approach recognizes that political issues are complex and multifaceted, often requiring perspectives
from various fields to fully comprehend them.
1. Sociology and Political Science:
o Sociology contributes to Political Science by examining the social structures and
processes that influence political behaviour and institutions. It explores the
relationship between social class, ethnicity, gender, and political power.
2. Economics and Political Science:
o Economics provides tools for understanding how economic systems and policies
impact political