Political Science: Definitions, Scope, Importance & Branches

TAKEAWAYS:

• Political Science studies power, government, and political behavior using scientific methods.
• It has four main branches: Political Theory, Political Philosophy, Political Institutions, and Comparative Politics.
• The scientific method helps analyze politics objectively, not just opinions.
• Political Science is important for understanding laws, rights, and how societies function.
• Nepal’s context shows how political science applies to real-world governance and reforms.
• Key thinkers like Aristotle, Machiavelli, and modern scholars shape the field’s theories.

What is Political Science?

Political Science is the study of power, government, and political behavior. It helps us understand:

• Who governs? (leaders, institutions)
• How do they govern? (laws, policies, decisions)
• Why do people obey or resist? (power, authority, rights)

Definition

"Political Science is the systematic study of political activities and behavior, focusing on the acquisition and use of power in society." — David Easton (a famous political scientist)

Why Study Political Science?

1. Understand Government: Learn how laws are made, enforced, and changed.
2. Citizen’s Role: Know your rights, duties, and how to participate (vote, protest, join parties).
3. Critical Thinking: Analyze news, policies, and political debates logically.
4. Career Opportunities: Jobs in law, diplomacy, journalism, NGOs, and public administration.
5. Social Justice: Fight for equality, human rights, and good governance.

Scope of Political Science

Political Science is broad—it covers many areas:

mindmap
  root((Political Science Scope))
    Government
      Definition
      Types (Democracy, Dictatorship, Monarchy)
      Functions (Law-making, Defense, Welfare)
    Politics
      Power Struggles
      Pressure Groups & Parties
      Elections & Voting Behavior
    Political Behavior
      Public Opinion
      Political Culture
      Social Movements
    Political Theory
      Ideologies (Liberalism, Socialism, Fascism)
      Justice & Equality
    International Relations
      Global Governance
      Nepal’s Foreign Policy
      UN, SAARC, and Regional Bodies
    Comparative Politics
      Studying Different Countries
      Nepal vs. India vs. USA Governments
    Public Administration
      How Government Works
      Bureaucracy & Civil Service

Importance of Political Science

For Individuals

• Helps you make informed choices (e.g., voting, joining protests).
• Teaches how to demand rights (e.g., women’s rights, Dalit rights).
• Explains why conflicts happen (e.g., caste discrimination, ethnic tensions).

For Society

• Prevents misuse of power: Checks corruption and abuse by leaders.
• Promotes peace: Studies wars, terrorism, and diplomacy.
• Improves governance: Helps design better laws and policies.

For Nepal

• Explains why Nepal changed from monarchy to republic (2008).
• Studies federalism (how power is shared between Kathmandu, provinces, and locals).
• Analyzes political parties (NCP, Maoists, Congress) and their roles.

Branches of Political Science

Political Science is divided into four main branches:

Methods of Political Science

Political Science uses scientific methods to study politics, not just opinions. Two key methods:

1. Empirical Method (Observation & Data)

   • Collects facts (e.g., voter turnout numbers, crime rates).
   • Uses surveys, experiments, and statistics.
   • Example: Studying why people in Kathmandu vote for a certain party.

2. Normative Method (Values & Judgments)

   • Asks "What should be?" (e.g., "Should Nepal have a presidential system?").
   • Based on moral principles (justice, equality).
   • Example: Debating whether capital punishment is fair.

Political Science vs. Other Subjects

Key Thinkers in Political Science

Political Science in Nepal’s Context

Nepal’s political journey shows how theory applies to real life:

1. 2006 People’s Movement: Mass protests ended monarchy → power of public opinion.
2. Federalism (2015): Power shifted from Kathmandu to provinces → decentralization in action.
3. Political Parties: NCP, Maoists, Congress compete → party systems and elections.
4. Constitutional Changes: From 1990 to 2015 → how constitutions evolve.

Example: Nepal’s Federal Structure

graph TD
    A["Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal"] --> B["Three Levels of Government"]
    B --> C["Federal Government (Kathmandu)"]
    B --> D["Provincial Governments (7 Provinces)"]
    B --> E["Local Governments (753 Palikas)"]
    C --> F["Parliament, President, Council of Ministers"]
    D --> G["Provincial Assembly, Chief Minister"]
    E --> H["Mayor/Council, Local Laws"]
    A --> I["Power Shared via Constitution"]

Solved Example: Analyzing a Political Statement

Question: "Politics is the art of the possible." — Otto von Bismarck (German Chancellor) Explain this statement with two examples from Nepal.

Answer:

1. Possible ≠ Perfect:

   • In Nepal, abolishing monarchy (2008) was "possible" because of mass protests, but making a perfect democracy takes time.
   • Example: Federalism was introduced in 2015, but some provinces still face resource disputes.

2. Compromise in Politics:

   • Political parties often compromise to pass laws.
   • Example: The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (2015) was a compromise between justice and peace after the civil war.

NEB Board-Style Questions (Practice!)

Short Answer (5 marks)

1. Define Political Science. How is it different from History?
2. Explain two branches of Political Science with examples.
3. Why is the scientific method important in Political Science?

Long Answer (10 marks)

4. "Political Science helps in good governance." Discuss with reference to Nepal’s federal system.
5. Compare Political Theory and Comparative Politics. Which one is more useful for Nepal? Why?
6. Analyze three methods used in Political Science with examples from Nepal.

Exam Tip: How to Score Full Marks

✅ Define Key Terms Clearly:

• Example: "Political Science is the systematic study of political activities..." (Use quotes from textbooks like Easton.)

✅ Use Nepal Examples:

• NEB loves real-world links! Mention:
  • 2006/2015 movements
  • Federalism (7 provinces)
  • Political parties (NCP, Maoists, Congress)

✅ Structure Answers Like This:

• Introduction: Define the topic.
• Body: Points with examples (Nepal + global).
• Conclusion: Summarize importance.

✅ Avoid Vague Statements:

• ❌ "Democracy is good." → ✅ "Federalism in Nepal reduces centralization, giving provinces autonomy over education and health."

✅ Diagrams Help!

• Draw mind maps (branches of Political Science) or flowcharts (Nepal’s government structure).