Introduction to Political Science
Political science is the study of the theory and practice of government. It is also related to law, which is that aspect of the social control making use of legislation, legal contests in courts of law, and decisions made by judges. Political science, like the other social sciences, considers the behavior of men in groups called social systems. There is a close relationship between political science and certain other sciences, like economics, social anthropology, and sociology. Political science is a descriptive science. Empirical observations of what actually happens in a given social situation involving power, authority or rule are reported. Political philosophy, based on values, may also be studied, usually by examining the works of outstanding philosophers of the past, like Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Marx, Mill, and others, or by evaluating particular philosophies. Political scientists study patterns of human behavior and relationships having to do with power, authority and rule, which are exercised to distribute the material resources of a nation or society. Politics plays a part in all social life, and from that points of view, all social sciences are a part of politics and the study of politics.