political science

American  

noun

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

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political science British  

noun

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

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political science Cultural  

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.

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Other Word Forms

• political scientist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of political science

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

political science

"Mark Carney has the means to achieve his ambitions because the country is behind him," says Genevieve Tellier, a professor of political science at the University of Ottawa.

From Barron's ● Aug. 25, 2026

Twenty-seven percent showed indifference, however, possibly demonstrating that most voters would be fine supporting them in a general election, said Christian Grose, a political science professor at the University of Southern California.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 19, 2026

Noori, 24, said she had chosen to study law and political science because she wanted to give women a voice and defend their rights.

From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026

Kenneth Lowande, a former Michigan political science professor who left for Rice University, said he didn’t think the new policy would make much of a difference because grade inflation had made grades largely irrelevant.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 11, 2026

He majored in political science and English and by going year-round he graduated in three years.

From "Friday Night Lights: A Town, A Team, And A Dream" by H.G. Bissinger

Related Words

• civics