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

Thad Kousser, a UC-San Diego political science professor, said that electing election skeptics to office doesn’t necessarily mean that they will throw a wrench into the process.

From Salon ● Oct. 7, 2026

Experience: Cabrera said she attended community college and went on to earn bachelor’s degrees in Chicana/o studies and political science and a master’s in education from Cal State Northridge.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 1, 2026

Aurelian Craiutu, a professor of political science at Indiana University, asks his students, especially the ones inclined to radicalism, to ponder the virtues of moderation.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 30, 2026

Such a dip is not unusual following the assassination of a central founding figure like Kirk, says Mark Brewer, chair of the political science department at the University of Maine.

From BBC ● Sep. 10, 2026

During her senior year at Swarthmore College, she took a course in political science, which sparked her interest in political activism.

From "Votes for Women!" by Winifred Conkling

Related Words

• civics