Political science

Political science is the scientific study of politics. It is a social science that analyzes how systems of governance work. These systems involve the allocation and transfer of power during decision-making. Political scientists also study how governments and international organizations function. They examine political behavior, political thought, and the impact of laws on society. By studying these areas, experts can measure the success of a government. They look at factors like stability, justice, peace, and public health.

Researchers in this field use different approaches to study power. One approach is called positive political science. This method attempts to describe how political things actually are. It focuses on empirical evidence, which means using real data and observations. Another approach is called normative political science. This method deals with value judgments and how things ought to be. It focuses on ethical questions and ideal states. While political philosophy is mostly normative, modern political science emphasizes descriptive and explanatory methods.

Modern political science is divided into several major sub-disciplines. Political philosophy looks at fundamental questions about government and ethics. Comparative politics involves studying different political systems to find patterns. International relations examines how different countries and organizations interact. Public policy and public administration focus on how laws are made and carried out. There are also smaller, more specialized niche sub-disciplines. Each area uses specific tools to understand how power affects different groups of people.

This field emerged as a distinct academic discipline in the late 19th century. Before this time, it was not a separate subject from history or philosophy. It grew out of fields like moral philosophy, political economy, and law. The rise of empiricism and positivism helped it become a science. In 1903, the American Political Science Association (APSA) was founded. This group helped separate the study of politics from economics. In 1904, the APSA had 204 members. By 1915, its membership had grown to 1,462 members. Later, in 1949, the International Political Science Association was formed through a UNESCO initiative.

In the 1950s and 1960s, the discipline experienced a "behavioral revolution." This movement shifted the focus toward studying individual and group behavior. Instead of just looking at legal texts, experts studied how people actually act. Scholars like Robert Dahl and Philip Converse were part of this shift. They used quantitative research methods, which means using math and numbers. These methods include surveys, historical analysis, and empirical testing. In the late 1960s, researchers also began using game-theoretic formal modeling. This technique uses math to study things like voting and the United States Congress.

Political scientists use a wide variety of research methods today. They use qualitative research, which focuses on descriptions and meanings. They also use quantitative research, which focuses on statistics and large data sets. Other methods include case studies, experimental research, and systems analysis. Some experts use psephology, which is the statistical study of elections. They may also perform intelligence analysis or political forecasting. These tools allow them to provide frameworks for journalists, politicians, and the public.

One important task is anticipating political crises and transitions. Scientists look for indicators that a system is under extreme stress. For example, they might look at statistical dispersion and correlations in a society. During the years before the 2014 Ukrainian crisis, researchers saw specific changes. The correlation between 19 major public fears in Ukraine increased by about 64%. At the same time, their statistical dispersion increased by 29%. Studying these patterns helps experts understand how governments handle unexpected disasters. It also helps them understand how voters react to how their leaders manage crises.