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MEANING AND SCOPE OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

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Chapter 1
FOUNDATIONS OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
1.1 MEANING AND SCOPE OF POLITICAL SCIENCE
Jean Bodin (1530 1596) a French political philosopher coined the term
“Political Science”. Political science is a branch of social science. The study of
Political science is of great significance and importance in the present day “Global
village”.
Political Science is the study of the state. According to Garner Political science
begins and ends with the state. It may be defined as the study of man in the process
of governing himself.
According to Catlin, politics means either activities of political life or the study
of those activities, which are generally treated as activities of the various organs of
government.
According to R.N. Gilchrist, political science deals with general problems of
the state and government. The great Greek political philosopher, Aristotle (384
322 B.C.) was the first thinker to use the term ‘politics’. The term “Politics” is
derived from the Greek word ‘Polis’ which means city – state.
Aristotle (B.C. 384 - 322)
Polis or city state was a small independent self contained political
society. Greeks did not make any distinction between politics and society. This
Greek city states of ancient times provide an ideal point for the beginning of a
systematic study of political science.
Unlike, the ancient Greeks, we live in large territorial states today. Greek
meaning of the state can be extended to the study of the modern state. In the words
of the French scholar, Paul Janet, political science is that part of social science
which treats the foundations of the state and principles of government.
Scope of political science:
The term ‘scope’ refers to the subject matter or the boundaries of political
science. The international Political Science Association at its Paris conference in

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1984 discussed the scope of the subject political science and marked out the subject
matter as follows:
I. Political Theory:
1. Political theory
2. Political ideas
II. Political Institutions:
1. Constitution
2. National government
3. Regional and local government.
4. Public administration.
5. Economic and social functions of government.
6. Comparative political institutions.
III. Political Parties:
1. Political parties.
2. Groups and associations
3. Participation of the citizen in the government and administration.
4. Public opinion.
IV. International Relations:
1. International polities.
2. International organization and administration
3. International law.
Broadly speaking, the scope of political science may be divided into three parts:
1) Scope of political science concerning the state.
2) Scope of political science with reference to human rights.
3) Scope of political science in relation to government.
1. Scope of political science concerning the state:
Present Form Historic Form Ideal Form
of the State of the State of the State
In political science, we study the present form of the state. Its aims and
objectives and the means adopted by the state to achieve its objectives. This aspect
of the study of political science has been termed by Gettell as the analytical study of
the state.
The present form of the state is the result of its historical development.
Political science makes a historical analysis of the origin of the state and the theories
of the state.
The study of political science has to predict the future of the state that is
how it ought to be. According to Gettell political science is a historical investigation

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Chapter 1 FOUNDATIONS OF POLITICAL SCIENCE 1.1 MEANING AND SCOPE OF POLITICAL SCIENCE Jean Bodin (1530 – 1596) a French political philosopher coined the term “Political Science”. Political science is a branch of social science. The study of Political science is of great significance and importance in the present day “Global village”. Political Science is the study of the state. According to Garner Political science begins and ends with the state. It may be defined as the study of man in the process of governing himself. According to Catlin, politics means either activities of political life or the study of those activities, which are generally treated as activities of the various organs of government. According to R.N. Gilchrist, political science deals with general problems of the state and government. The great Greek political philosopher, Aristotle (384 – 322 B.C.) was the first thinker to use the term ‘politics’. The term “Politics” is derived from the Greek word ‘Polis’ which means city – state. Aristotle (B.C. 384 - 322) Polis or city – state was a small independent self – contained political society. Greeks did not make any distinction between politics and society. This Greek city – states of ancient times provide an ideal point for the beginning of a systematic study of political science. Unlike, the ancient Greeks, we live in large territorial states today. Greek meaning of the state can be extended to the study of the modern ...
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