political science

noun

1. a social science dealing with political institutions and with the principles and conduct of government.

political science

noun

1. (esp as an academic subject) the study of the state, government, and politics: one of the social sciences

political science

1. The systematic study of government and politics. Political science is a social science that makes generalizations and analyses about political systems and political behavior and uses these results to predict future behavior. Political science includes the study of political philosophy, ethics, international relations and foreign policy, public administration, and the dynamic relations between different parts of governments.

Other Word Forms

• political scientist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of political science¹

First recorded in 1770–80

Related Words

• civics