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

He studied political science at the University of California, Berkeley, before dropping out.

From The Wall Street Journal

“It’s very confusing what direction the government is trying to take this,” said Carlos Romero, a retired political science professor and author in Caracas.

From The Wall Street Journal

“California politics forces together some of the richest areas of America with some of the poorest, often separated by just a freeway,” said Thad Kousser, a political science professor at UC San Diego.

From Los Angeles Times

I majored in political science at Virginia Commonwealth University after speaking with a few professors.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ms. Wong is an assistant professor of political science and international relations at the University of Southern California and nonresident senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• civics